Reading and Writing for Pleasure
Reading for pleasure is a leisure activity that many people value, but it is also an important way for people to continue learning throughout their lives. In recent years book groups have flourished throughout the UK, and creative writing classes have always been popular.
Transformation Fund projects brought opportunities for reading and writing for pleasure into new and different contexts. Approaches included:
- establishing a network of ' Quick Reads' book groups in local libraries across a county, for adults who are getting back into reading - Hertfordshire Learning Revolution;
- developing reading groups for parents from black and minority ethnic communities in children's centres - Go-Woman;
- establishing book groups for people with mental health difficulties - Get into reading - Oxfordshire Mind - and creative writing activities for people with learning difficulties and disabilities - Share Community - Writing Our Roots
- linking reading and writing for pleasure with digital inclusion, by developing opportunities for sharing stories online - Bookbite, Bolton Literacy Trust;
- working with Union Learning Representatives to take creative writing into the workplace - Trade Union Learning Links - Uncovering Gems
Learning activities focusing on reading and writing for pleasure were very successful.
- The Quick Reads books proved ideal for engaging people who are new to reading for pleasure. Their lively, style, and short length make them very accessible, so some readers can finish them in one sitting, creating an incentive to move on to another book.
- Get into Reading groups focused on reading aloud. In these groups short stories, novels and poetry are read aloud by trained facilitators, with members joining in as they wish. Engagement with the text is immediate, enriched by the spontaneous sharing of life stories and experiences of group members as confidence builds over time. This approach has been demonstrated to be particularly helpful for people with mental health difficulties.
- Linking reading and writing activities with other creative activities was effective. The Share Community project enabled people with learning difficulties and disabilities to share their stories in writing and make a quilt together. Bolton Literacy Trust took fun activities based on reading and writing out onto the streets, to engage new learners. They developed a range of collaborative learning initiatives, both face-to-face and online, such as creating a People's Museum where people told their stories in words and pictures: Bolton Literacy Trust - The People's Museum
- Reading groups and writing groups work well as self-organised learning groups. Several projects helped groups get off the ground, and then offered support for them to continue as self-organised groups. The Book Bite project developed a website focused on reading and writing activities for older people, and provided a range of resources to support older people to run their own book groups.
Informal learning groups focused on reading and writing for pleasure don't have to go it alone:
- Libraries are key organisations to work with if you want to develop opportunities for reading for pleasure. Most local library services have a wide range of resources they can make available to support you.
- There are lots of ideas and support materials available on the internet - follow the links below.
- Local writers and poets may be keen to get involved. For example, a local poet helped Bolton Literacy Trust to set up a collaborative online poem: Bolton Literacy Trust - Online poem - get involved
- Trade Union Learning Representatives (ULRs) can offer support to groups in the workplace. Many workplaces get involved in the Six Book Challenge.
Reading and writing for pleasure can be an effective way of engaging people who may have struggled with literacy skills in their schooldays. In recent years the Skills for Life initiative has concentrated on courses leading to accreditation, but an informal, fun approach can help to engage new learners who may then move on to more formal qualifications. Informal reading groups can help to develop skills in speaking and listening, as well as reading and writing. There is evidence that they can also help to improve confidence and wellbeing, bringing health benefits and enriching people's lives with new social contacts as well.
Web Links
Reading for Pleasure | NIACE
a summary of NIACE's work relating to reading and writing for pleasure, including links to the Quick Reads and to a range of free downloadable resources.
A toolkit for self organised informal learning groups
A free downloadable toolkit for people organising their own informal learning groups, including reading groups.
Guidance on facilitating informal adult learning
A free practical guidance document on facilitating informal adult learning, including links to resources to support education for sustainable development.
