We are thrilled to share what Charlie achieves as a Reading Plus Champion
this academic year!
Within his role, Charlie has the opportunity to complete a series of exciting reading activities throughout the year, including:
- Reviewing new (and unseen!) texts yet to be added to Reading Plus.
- Sharing his experience of Reading Plus in a blog titled ‘My Reading Plus Journey’.
- Expanding his reading further and reviewing books outside of Reading Plus.
- Collaborating with us on interviews with children’s/YA authors.
As he progresses through his Champion duties, all his tasks will be added here – so look forward to more amazing activities being published soon!
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As well as enjoying the books, Reading Plus definitely helped me to develop my reading skills. I started reading longer books and got so much better at using the text to understand new vocabulary. I think the skills that I’ve developed will help me with all my work in the future.
Charlie, Reading Plus Champion.
TASK ONE: ‘Meet Charlie’
How do you feel about becoming a Reading Plus Champion?
I’m really proud of myself – it’s great news! I’m looking forward to all the new and fascinating things I’ll be doing with Reading Plus and I’m excited to think I might get to interview an author!
What books do you plan to buy with the voucher you received in your Champion Prize Kit?
My friend recommended a book called Escape Room (by Christopher Edge) which I’d love to read. There are lots of other books I have in mind. I’m looking forward to going and looking at some books in the bookshop, reading the blurb and choosing some. I really like mystery and adventure books, so I’m hoping to find some of those.
What do you enjoy most about reading?
When I’m reading, it feels like I’m in a different world, almost a different dimension, and I’m not distracted by anything! It makes me feel like everything in the book might be true and I’m there in the book.
Can you tell us about your favourite author/book?
I have two! I really like Michael Rosen because I enjoy the way his poems really relate to children – they’re really funny! I especially like the ones where he talks about his childhood.
My other favourites are the books by Dav Pilkey, particularly Dog Man. They’re really fun to read because they’re almost like a comic. I’ve recommended Dog Man in class before and I’m really excited to see what the new film will be like too.
Out of all the books you have ever read, who is your favourite character and why?
That’s a tough one! I really like the cat Petey in Dog Man. In the first book, he was a really evil character, but then, in the later books, he chooses to become a good character because of the things that happen to him in the story – I won’t spoil the plot! It’s really interesting when characters change in a story.
What is your favourite hobby and why?
I love reading but there are lots of other things I love too! I enjoy gaming, going swimming and watching films at the cinema. Seeing my friends and playing outside are my other favourite things to do.
If you had a superpower, what would it be?
This is really hard – I almost can’t pick! It’s so tricky to choose between invisibility, mind reading and flying! Probably mind reading because if someone was sad and they didn’t want to say, you’d know and you’d be able to help comfort them. Also, reading minds would just be cool!
What do you want to be when you are older and why?
I’d really like to be a YouTuber and a teacher. I’d like to be a YouTuber because one of my hobbies is gaming, so I’d love to make it into a career. I’d also love to be a Foundation teacher because little children are really funny!
Imagine you just won a million pounds – what would you do with it?
I’d definitely give some of it to charity – probably one that helps with homelessness or a food charity, like a food bank. I’d buy some of the toys I’d been saving up for, some more books, and I’d have a pool party with my friends!
If you found a genie in a bottle, what would be your three wishes?
Number one would be for everyone to live in peace and happiness. I read a news magazine every week and I know that lots of people don’t feel safe at the moment.
Number two would be to have a successful career as a YouTuber and teacher – I hope I’m still happy when I’m older!
Number three would be for my sister to get her dream of being a politician – I have this feeling that she’ll change the world for the better!
TASK TWO: ‘My Reading Plus Journey’
I started Reading Plus in September 2023 when I joined Croxby Primary School. Reading is a really important part of our school – pupils recommend books each week and we’ve got a jam-packed library – and Reading Plus is part of that.
Before that, I loved reading. I read a lot in my free time – for fun and to find out about the world. One of my favourite times to read is before bed with my dad. We really enjoy reading graphic novels like Dog Man, a cartoon book about a cop that merges with a dog. I love the new film of the book, but I enjoy the books even more!
I really enjoyed using Reading Plus – there were lots of books to choose from, a real variety. For new Reading Plus users, I’d suggest trying types of books that you liked before, but when you get more settled into Reading Plus, experiment with some new topics. There are genres that I hadn’t read before that I now love.
My favourite Reading Plus text, by far, is ‘In search of the Yeti’. I want to investigate mysteries when I’m older (I’m really interested in cryptids and strange phenomena like UFOs) so this was fascinating. If you want to find out about why people hunt for the Yeti and how the idea of it became so popular, then this book is for you!
As well as enjoying the books, Reading Plus definitely helped me develop my reading skills. I started reading longer books and got so much better at using the text to understand new vocabulary. I think the skills that I’ve developed will help me with all my work in the future.
What is DreamBox Reading Plus?
Reading Plus is an adaptive online reading development programme designed to accelerate progress, improve results and build engagement.
Benefits of Reading Plus include:
- An efficacy study proved that students using Reading Plus significantly progressed more than non-users (full study here).
- Students are offered choice and control to self-select texts aligned with their interests from a vast online library.
- Regular challenges and initiatives motivate students, encourage reading for pleasure and celebrate successes – like our Reading Plus Champions!
Want to discover if Reading Plus can help your school? Book a call with a Reading Development Consultant to find out more!