Enjoying Reading with Fiction Express
Freyja has always loved stories. Snuggling up together at bedtime and sharing a story is a part of her everyday routine I look forward to. I am sure that this has contributed to her love of books and desire to read. I am so proud of how she is progressing with her reading at school. However, we do get through a lot of books and I am always on the look out for new stories for Freyja to read or to have read to. We jumped at the chance to give Fiction Express a trial. This is an innovative book platform, connecting children with professional authors. It aims to encourage reading for pleasure through fun co-creation of stories.
Every half-term, three books are published on the Fiction Express website in weekly chapters. After reading the current chapter, children can then vote on what happens next. The author will then bring the most popular choice to life. There are three books to choose from at any time aimed at reading ages 6+, 8+ and 10+. They can be read online, offline or on paper. This half term, Freyja has been reading “Galaxy Mega Spinners” aimed at reading age 6+.
At aged 6, Freyja has been able to read the text, albeit with a little help. Reading isn’t about just being able to recognise words. Comprehension of the text is vital. Each chapter is linked to an online comprehension quiz. These comprise of multiple choice questions and is really useful to see if a child is understanding the text.
Freyja has been enjoying the story and loves being able to have some say on how the plot develops. She is always really happy when her choice is the most popular one and gets written. The most frustrating thing for her, is having to wait for the next chapter each week. In a world where we can binge watch TV episodes, it is quite tricky for her to have to wait for each chapter. However, being signed up for the Fiction Express Gold Reader level, she can have access to over 80 previously published books. These have been tiding her over whilst she waits for each chapter to be published.
In a time when my kids seem to get given a load of “stuff” for Christmas and birthdays – most of which stops being played with after a few days, books are the one of the best things they can receive. However, Fiction Express is even better than a book! The books don’t take up space AND there is the ability for the reader to shape the story. It is a brilliant idea to keep children hooked on reading. Do check out the Fiction Express website to find out a bit more.
