Shonette Bason-Wood
Championing Childhood, Strengthening Foundations for Reading Success
Session 1: Reclaiming Childhood : Building the Foundations for Future Readers
In today's rapidly changing world, childhood looks very different and so do the challenges our youngest learners face when developing early reading skills. Increased screen time, reduced social play, and limited movement have all impacted attention, language, and communication in ways that directly affect reading readiness.
In this essential first session, we explore the impact of digital childhood on early brain development and literacy foundations. Through practical, developmentally rich solutions tailored for Early Years and Key Stage 1, educators will be equipped with powerful tools to rebuild those foundations. This includes dynamic, movement-based approaches using Shonette Bason’s new resource, Progressive Parachute Games, which reinvigorates language, rhythm, cooperation, and core strengt which are all vital pre-reading components.
Each participant will be invited to design and lead a Mini Impact Project in their setting. then they will apply what they have learnt to show measurable change and bring the mission of championing childhood to life.
Key Outcomes of Session 1:
Understand how modern childhood is impacting reading development
Identify and embed early interventions that strengthen attention, communication, and connection
Use movement, rhythm, and social play to develop the brain systems needed for literacy
Launch a Mini Impact Project to track and showcase positive change
Session 2: From Play to Print – Advancing Pre-Reading with Confidence
In Part 2, we return to reflect on the Mini Impact Projects, celebrate success, and deepen our understanding of what truly builds strong pre-readers. This session focuses on the next layer of development by discussing advanced pre-reading techniques that link spoken language to early print awareness.
Together, we will explore high impact strategies to enrich vocabulary, embed phonological awareness, and use adult-child interactions to ignite the language needed for lifelong literacy. This collaborative session also offers space to refine practice and build a sustainable, long-term vision for early reading in every classroom.
Key Outcomes of Session 2:
Reflect on and evaluate your Mini Impact Project
Advance your understanding of pre-reading skills, including sound play, oral storytelling, and vocabulary development
Learn how to embed strong language environments that drive reading readiness
Strengthen confidence in building readers from the ground up, especially for children with high needs
Who should attend?
Early Years and KS1 practitioners, Literacy Leads, SENDCos, and School Leaders committed to improving reading outcomes by restoring what children need most—connection, movement, talk, and play.
Sessions:
Sessions will run from 12.00pm until 4.00pm on the following dates:
Session 1 - Tuesday 13th January 2026
Session 2 - Wednesday 4th March 2026
A maximum of two delegates per school who will both receive £80 backfill.