How did Kickstarters Begin?

Whilst working as a key stage one teacher , I attended a fantastic CLPE training course which highlighted the importance of reading. It became clear to me that books can be used as a vehicle to bring children’s imagination to life, whilst also raising their academic achievement. I came away feeling inspired.

I coached football to 3-4 year olds and had always wondered how engaged these young children actually were. It was at this point that I thought of combining reading with football.

I was so convinced that this could work and had such a burning desire to go with this, that I searched through (quite literally) hundreds of books that I could create lesson plans for. Over the course of that year, I created 16 lesson plans from children’s literature, in which children immerse themselves in and take part in football activities linked to the story.

Children can become so disengaged in those early stages of development that teaching and learning can become difficult and frustrating. Cleverly combining children’s favourite literature like ‘We’re Going On A Bear Hunt’ and ‘Lost and Found’ with physical activity engrosses children (in particular, disengaged readers) to focus and clearly see the links between sport and reading.

The results from those type of learners has been phenomenal. A significant rise in the interest, importance and love of reading, whilst developing skills in football/multi-skills.

I am extremely proud of the impact Kickstarters has had on children’s motivation to read and play sport and nothing would make me prouder if this was to happen in other parts of the world.