Black Cats support National Storytelling Week

Foundation of Light celebrated the 19^th anniversary of National Storytelling Week recently with school children and Sunderland AFC players. Youngsters from Ox Close and Jarrow Cross Primary Schools were joined by Sunderland AFC’s Duncan Watmore and Tom Flanagan, who enjoyed activities and challenges using the power of football to help inspire their learning and love of literacy. Danielle Chapman, Primary Stars Education Coordinator at Foundation of Light said: “As part of our work with the Premier League’s Primary Stars programme, which sees children improve their reading and literacy skills, the children have been working in small groups for one hour per week to develop key skills to help them in their SATs and further education, as well as reading with the players.  Pupils also got to chat to care home residents from Ashton Grange.”

It’s easy for kids to forget the power of books when you have things like social media on mobile phones, but you can get a lot more from reading a book than reading on a phone.

Sunderland AFC forward, Duncan Watmore

Duncan added "Tom and I have enjoyed talking to the children and going through what their favourite books are, because of the type of person I always have a book I’m on with reading.  Its important to support campaigns like this to keep children interested in reading and I believe its creates a world of excitement and one where they can show and explore their creativity." National Storytelling Week took place between 26^th January and 2^nd February, with the aim of promoting storytelling to people of all ages. Foundation of Light delivers award-winning education programmes for schools across the region and are mapped to the National Curriculum, bringing subjects to life for pupils helping to improve attitudes and skills whilst increasing enthusiasm and motivation within the classroom. Premier League Primary Stars uses the appeal of the Premier League and professional football clubs to inspire children to learn, be active and develop important life skills.