National Read Aloud Challenge

The Summer We Accidentally Built the Thing I’m Proudest Of…

There’s a particular kind of madness that descends on us at this time of year. The good kind. The kind where the whole team is running on adrenaline and tea, where the inbox never stops, and where I find myself grinning at my laptop like an idiot. It’s launch season, the time when we open the doors on the National Read-Aloud Challenge, powered by Fonetti, and honestly, it’s the most insane and most wonderful few weeks of our entire year.

So before the gates swing open, I wanted to take a breath and tell you how we got here. Because if you’d told me a few years ago that I’d be writing this, I’m not sure I’d have believed you.

First, the important bit. How to get involved

Every year the rhythm is the same, and there’s something lovely about that.

On the 1st of June, registrations open for schools, giving teachers a full month to get themselves set up and ready before the Challenge goes live. Parents can join the waitlist any time now, and access opens for everyone on the 1st of July, when the Challenge officially begins.

Throughout the Challenge, children get free access to hundreds of books on the Fonetti app. Fiction, non-fiction, poetry, news, current affairs, the lot. Content chosen to genuinely interest children of every kind, right across the ages from 5 to 15. Whatever a child is into, there’s something in there for them.

That’s what. Here’s why.

It was never supposed to be for schools

Fonetti was always meant for the home. That was the plan, start to finish. We built it for families, for the sofa, for bedtime, for the quiet ten minutes after dinner when a child reads aloud and someone who loves them listens.

And then Covid happened, and it changed everything.

Before the pandemic, schools were understandably reluctant to take on yet another piece of technology. But lockdown turned that on its head almost overnight. Suddenly there was an appetite, a need, for tools that could help children keep reading when the world had gone strange and small. So during that period we did something we’d never intended to do: we built the Fonetti school platform. And when things began to open up again, we were ready to take on the education market.

I’ll be honest, plenty of smart people warned me how hard that would be. Our wonderful education advisor, Lewis Bronze MBE, told me in no uncertain terms how difficult it is to get traction in education with a new product, especially a new one nobody’s heard of yet. He wasn’t wrong.

But the timing, for me personally, was extraordinary. I’d just exited another business I’d founded, and I made a decision that felt enormous at the time: I invested a large chunk of that money straight into developing a platform that would let us give our home experience away for free, every single summer.

That was the birth of the National Read-Aloud Challenge.

A champion in our corner

I can’t tell this story without telling you about Clare Balding CBE.

Clare was one of our earliest supporters, and she said something to me back then that I’ve never forgotten. She told me she’d always wanted to be part of building something with the potential to change the world, and that she believed this technology was exactly that. Coming from her, it meant everything.

So when we started the Challenge, it was a great joy to me when Clare took on the role of Brand Ambassador. And here’s the thing about Clare: she is not passive. She absolutely gets what we do. Anyone who has ever come to our awards ceremony, whether a child, a teacher, or a partner, knows just how engaged she is, and how wonderful she is with the children. She lights the whole room up. Watching her with them is one of my favourite moments of the entire year.

The moment we got completely, hopelessly, hooked

Here’s the thing about the early days. At the start, the Challenge was supposed to be evidence. Nothing more romantic than that. We needed proof. We needed to be able to look a head teacher in the eye and say, “Here’s what happens to children’s reading when you use this,” with the data to back it up.

But by the middle of that first year, something had shifted in all of us. We were hooked.

Watching the admin panel became our version of Netflix. I’m not exaggerating. We’d sit there in the evenings watching children read, day and night, all over the country. The numbers are ticking up. The streaks. The leaderboards are moving. We could not believe how engaged they were.

And when I step back and think about why, it’s almost embarrassingly simple. All we really did was take the most fundamental skill there is, reading aloud, and gamify it. We curated and created content that children actually find interesting, we added certificates, prizes and, of course, leaderboards. And suddenly you don’t have a reading app. You have one of the most extraordinary reading engagement platforms I’ve ever seen.

The numbers still take my breath away

Let me put it plainly, because the data genuinely floors me.

In our first year, there was one day where children clocked up 104 hours of pure reading in a single day. We thought that was unbelievable.

In 2024, we doubled it, peaking at 224 hours in one day.

And last year, we averaged 279 hours of reading every single day across the entire Challenge period, with one extraordinary day peaking at 454 hours.

Four hundred and fifty-four hours of children reading aloud, in one day, because they wanted to. I still can’t quite take it in.

We were never meant to do this alone

Here’s something I want to say loudly, because it matters: we are not in competition with anyone.

There are some genuinely brilliant reading initiatives that light up the summer, and right at the top of that list is the Summer Reading Challenge, created many years ago by The Reading Agency and run by libraries up and down the country. It isn’t just a tradition. It’s something I think everyone in literacy is proud to be associated with, and that absolutely includes us.

When we created the National Read-Aloud Challenge, we always knew it was different, and we designed it deliberately to sit alongside initiatives like the Summer Reading Challenge, never against them. In fact it was our own Vicki Edgar who summed it up best. She took one look and said, well, it’s obviously the “Read-Aloud” summer initiative, a cheeky play on exactly what we do, because we get children reading out loud. The name stuck, because she was completely right.

And I have to stop and say something about Vicki here, because she has earned it. Vicki is our Fonetti Challenge Ambassador, and she is every single bit as passionate about this as I am. The two of us together are a genuine force to be reckoned with.

Plenty of movement, but let’s have some direction

This launch feels especially poignant, because we’re doing it during the Year of Reading.

The work the National Literacy Trust and the Department for Education have done to shine a light on declining reading among our young children has, in a strange way, been galvanising. It’s named the problem out loud. And our commitment goes well beyond simply running the Challenge: we plan to share all of the phenomenal insight we gather from children actually reading with both the National Literacy Trust and the Department for Education once the Challenge is over.

Because at the end of the day, we all need to work together. Every one of us in this space has the same single aim, to turn around the failing literacy standards among our children, and every one of us wants to do good. But if we all charge off in our own separate directions, we end up with an awful lot of movement and no direction whatsoever. A bit like an octopus on rollerskates. Plenty of energy, arms flailing everywhere, going absolutely nowhere. Pull together, and suddenly all that movement has direction. So we are completely committed to doing our bit.

The woman now steering our ship

There’s one more person I have to tell you about, and I get a bit giddy every time I do.

Over the last couple of years I’ve had the joy of getting to know Louise Hill, the founder of GoHenry. Louise is on her own mission to move the dial, in her case on financial literacy, and she has worked tirelessly lobbying the government to get financial literacy onto the curriculum from primary school upwards. She is relentless, in the best possible way.

So when Louise agreed earlier this year to become our Chair, I was absolutely over the moon. Picture it: a couple of crazy, driven women of a certain age, utterly determined to change the lives of children. Together I think we make a pretty powerful double act, and I could not be prouder to have Louise’s support as Chair of our board.

So, here we go again

If you’re a teacher, registrations are open now. Get your school set up before the 1st of July.

If you’re a parent, join the waitlist and we’ll open the doors to you on launch day.

And if you’re someone who simply cares about children and books, thank you for reading this. Share it. Pass it on. Help us make this the biggest summer of reading yet.

It’s the most insane time of our year. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Let’s go. 📚

Kim

Posted in National Read Aloud Challenge, Literacy, Reading, Team Fonetti

When Books Talk Back: How ASR Is Changing the Way Children Learn to Read

Imagine if, instead of just turning pages, a book could listen. What if it could gently prompt a child when they misread a word, cheer them on when they pronounce something correctly, and track their progress over time – all without needing an adult to hover nearby?

This is no longer the stuff of imagination. Thanks to Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR), books are beginning to talk back. And for young readers, that changes everything.

📖 The Traditional Reading Model – and Its Limits
For generations, reading has been a largely one-way experience. A child sits with a book and decodes the words on the page. When possible, a parent, teacher or older sibling might listen, correct mispronunciations, and encourage fluency. But in busy homes and overstretched classrooms, this kind of attentive one-to-one support isn’t always available. That’s where children can fall behind – not for lack of will, but for lack of real-time, personalised feedback.

💡 Enter ASR: A Reading Revolution
Automatic Speech Recognition bridges this gap. When embedded in EdTech tools like Fonetti, ASR listens as a child reads aloud, assessing accuracy and fluency in real time. If a child stumbles, skips a word, or mispronounces something, the technology gently flags it. If they improve, it celebrates them. This creates an interactive loop: the child reads, the technology listens and responds, and the child adjusts – learning as they go. It’s the kind of responsive support that builds not just literacy, but confidence.

🔄 Practice, Feedback, Progress
The secret sauce in learning to read fluently is repetition with feedback. ASR tools encourage children to read aloud more often – something that traditional reading apps or eBooks rarely promote. And because the feedback is immediate, children begin to self-correct. They develop an ear for their own accuracy. Over time, this builds fluency, comprehension, and a deeper sense of achievement. It’s no longer about “getting through the page” – it’s about reading well, and knowing you’re reading well.

🧑‍🏫 Supporting Teachers with Actionable Insights
One of the often-overlooked benefits of ASR technology is the visibility it provides to teachers. With platforms like Fonetti, teachers gain access to a dedicated portal that tracks each pupil’s reading activity – including accuracy, fluency, and consistency over time. This data helps teachers quickly identify which pupils are thriving and which ones may need targeted support – whether it’s help with decoding, pronunciation, or reading stamina. In short, ASR doesn’t just support the child – it supports the whole classroom ecosystem.

By freeing up time and providing clear insights, ASR allows teachers to do what they do best: personalise learning and support every child, no matter their starting point.

🌍 Accessible, Scalable, Empowering
Perhaps one of the most powerful aspects of ASR is its scalability. Not every child has daily access to an adult who can sit and listen while they practise reading. ASR levels the playing field – bringing high-quality support into homes, classrooms, and communities where it might otherwise be lacking. It empowers teachers with data. It gives parents peace of mind. And most importantly, it gives children a sense of ownership over their reading journey.

🚀 The Future of Reading Is Interactive
Reading doesn’t have to be passive. With the help of ASR, we’re moving toward a world where every child can hear how they’re doing, see their progress, and feel proud of how far they’ve come. At Fonetti, we believe books should be engaging, encouraging – and just a little bit magical. And when books talk back, that magic becomes real.

📢 Try It for Yourself: Join the National Read Aloud Challenge!
If you’re curious about how ASR can support your child’s reading, there’s no better time to give it a go. The National Read Aloud Challenge is still open – and it’s the perfect opportunity for children to experience Fonetti’s interactive, voice-powered reading platform for themselves.

Whether your child is a confident reader or just starting out, the challenge is designed to encourage regular reading aloud and make it fun. With built-in feedback, progress tracking, and a growing library of engaging stories, Fonetti helps every child become a stronger, more fluent reader.

Sign up today and see the difference when books talk back: https://www.readaloudchallenge.co.uk/

Posted in Automatic Speech Recognition, EdTech, National Read Aloud Challenge, Reading

Level up Literacy: How gamification is making reading more engaging

The Current State of Children’s Reading in the UK
The state of children’s reading in the UK is concerning. In the 2023/24 academic year, 26% of Year 6 pupils in England left primary school without meeting the expected standard in reading. This statistic has remained stagnant over time, highlighting a persistent challenge in literacy education.

Beyond test scores, children’s enjoyment of reading is also in decline. In 2024, reading for pleasure was at a record low, with only 34.6% of children reporting that they enjoyed reading, according to the National Literacy Trust. This is a worrying 8.8 percentage point drop from 2023.

If children do not enjoy reading, they are less likely to engage with it regularly. This trend is reflected in the data: just 20.5% of children report reading daily – a nearly 50% decline over the past two decades.

Why Reading for Enjoyment Matters
Reading is a skill that improves with practice. Children who read frequently for enjoyment effectively give themselves additional reading lessons, strengthening their comprehension and overall academic performance.

The impact of reading enjoyment on literacy outcomes is well-documented. The 2021 PIRLS study found that pupils who enjoyed reading scored an average of 34 points higher than those who did not. Additionally, the 2022 PISA study highlighted reading enjoyment as a key factor in mitigating inequalities in reading attainment across gender and socio-economic status.

The UK’s Reading Framework supports this perspective, explaining that “once pupils can decode accurately and speedily, reading a lot is the principal way they develop as readers.” This concept, known as ‘reading miles,’ underscores the importance of frequent reading in skill development.

A Need for Change
Given the stagnation in reading levels and the decline in reading enjoyment and frequency, a shift in strategy is necessary. A new approach is required to re-engage children in reading and to provide opportunities for them to develop literacy skills in a way that aligns with their interests and habits in a digital world.

The Role of ASR and Gamification
At Fonetti, we believe that increasing children’s enjoyment, confidence, and frequency of reading is a powerful way to combat the stagnation in reading progress. Technology – particularly Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) – offers a valuable tool for achieving this goal.

If designed inclusively and responsibly, ASR can transform the reading experience by enabling gamification and independent reading aloud practice. Moreover, ASR facilitates automatic progress tracking, providing valuable insights into a child’s reading development.

The Benefits of Gamification
In the digital age, children are naturally drawn to interactive and game-like experiences. Gamification in education enhances engagement by presenting learning as an enjoyable challenge rather than a chore. Features such as leaderboards, rewards, and achievement milestones make learning more compelling and motivate students to participate voluntarily.

When integrated with ASR, gamification can significantly enhance reading practice:

  • Real-Time Feedback: ASR technology provides immediate feedback on reading accuracy, making it easier to gamify the process with scoring systems, rewards, and progress tracking.
  • Increased Enjoyment: The PIRLS 2021 study showed that children who enjoyed reading performed better. Gamifying the reading experience can boost enjoyment, leading to better outcomes.
  • Independent Reading Confidence: ASR allows children to practice reading aloud without adult supervision, reducing performance anxiety and encouraging experimentation with fluency and intonation.
  • Personalised Learning: Children receive automatic feedback on mispronounced words, reinforcing phonics knowledge and allowing for targeted improvement.

Evidence from the National Read Aloud Challenge (NRAC)
The success of gamified reading experiences is supported by data from Fonetti’s 2024 National Read Aloud Challenge (NRAC). Preliminary investigations show that gamification plays a significant role in motivating children to read more frequently.

  • Investigation 1: Stars as Motivation for Book Repetition
    • Children who did not achieve a perfect star score in a reading session were more than twice as likely to choose the same book for their next session compared to those who earned three stars. This suggests that rather than being discouraged, many children were motivated to improve their performance, reinforcing their reading practice.
  • Investigation 2: Stars as Motivation for More Reading Sessions
    • For 3-6-year-olds, an increase in star ratings between consecutive reading sessions correlated with a shorter wait time before starting a new session. This was particularly evident among young girls. The results indicate that achieving higher scores encouraged children to read more frequently.
  • Investigation 3: Impact on Reading Progression
    • Another concern is whether gamification encourages children to stick to easier books to maximise scores rather than progressing through reading levels. However, data from NRAC participants shows that regular readers on Fonetti gradually increased their book difficulty over time. This trend was evident across both genders and all age groups, demonstrating that gamification does not hinder progress but rather supports it.

Conclusion: A Transformative Approach to Reading
The data is clear: gamifying the reading experience through ASR can significantly enhance children’s engagement, motivation, and reading frequency. By making reading more enjoyable and rewarding, Fonetti is helping to foster a generation of more confident, proficient readers.

If we are to address the ongoing stagnation in reading levels, we must embrace innovative solutions that align with children’s digital habits and preferences. Gamification, supported by ASR technology, offers a powerful way to achieve this.

Encouraging children to put in the essential ‘reading miles’ that lead to lifelong literacy success.

Posted in Automatic Speech Recognition, Insights, Literacy, National Read Aloud Challenge, Reading

Celebrating the 2024 National Read-Aloud Challenge Awards Ceremony

“Fonetti clearly helps children learn to read. The joy on children’s faces as they achieve reading fluency is palpable. The second NRAC was inspirational – I hope this annual challenge grows and involves tens of thousands of children next year.”

– Lewis Bronze MBE (Chairman of Sensations English and Fonetti Education Ambassador)

Reflecting on the 2024 National Read-Aloud Challenge Awards
A week has passed since the incredible 2024 National Read-Aloud Challenge (NRAC) Awards Ceremony, but the joy and excitement from the event are still fresh in our minds. Held on Thursday, 16th January 2025, at the Amazon UK Headquarters in London, this year’s ceremony brought together an inspiring mix of attendees. From bright-eyed children and dedicated teachers to Fonetti employees, challenge sponsors, ambassadors, and leaders across the education and EdTech spaces, the day was truly a celebration of community, learning, and the power of reading aloud.

In this blog, we’ll take you through every unforgettable moment of the day, sharing highlights and reflections on what made the event so special.

Arrivals: A Warm Welcome
Guests began arriving at midday, travelling from all corners of the UK. Whether it was a quick hop on the Tube or a journey involving planes and ferries, every guest was greeted with a warm welcome at Amazon UK Headquarters.

A beautiful lunch spread awaited them in the main function room, setting the tone for a day filled with connection and celebration. Conversations buzzed as attendees networked, shared stories, and bonded over their shared passion for children’s literacy. The atmosphere was electric, filled with anticipation for the events to come.

A Magical Book Reading Session
The first major event of the day was the ever-popular author reading session. Hosted by the charismatic Arti Halai – communication coach and former ITV news presenter – the session brought storytelling to life for the children. Five incredible readers, from diverse backgrounds, took to the stage to share their favourite books and answer the children’s questions.

Here’s a quick recap of the readers and their captivating choices:

  • Martin Roberts, renowned TV presenter and author of The Villes series, enchanted the audience with a chapter from his book Sadsville, available on the Fonetti app.
  • Rosemary Goodenough, celebrated artist and author of Hooray-Hooray-Horatio the Jolly Hedgehog, delighted the children with her story Hooray-Hooray-Horatio the Jolly Hedgehog Dreams About London.
  • Lewis Bronze MBE, Fonetti’s Education Ambassador and former Blue Peter editor, shared a chapter from a beloved children’s classic.
  • Bonnie, a talented student from Riverdale Primary School in Northern Ireland, brought Sadsville to life with her confident reading.
  • Scott, an enthusiastic student from Widmer End Community Combined School, charmed the audience with The Gingerbread Man, a Fonetti favourite.

The session was a heartwarming reminder of the power of stories to inspire, educate, and bring people together. Seeing the children’s reactions and their engagement during the Q&A was a highlight for everyone present.

The Awards Ceremony: A Celebration of Achievement
By 2:30 PM, the stage was set for the main event of the day: the National Read Aloud Challenge Awards Ceremony. Hosted by the wonderful Clare Balding CBE—renowned TV presenter and Fonetti Brand Ambassador—the ceremony celebrated the incredible achievements of schools across the UK. As Clare interviewed the winning pupils, laughter filled the room. The children’s joy and their priceless, often hilarious responses were once again the heart of the ceremony!

Here’s a full list of the 2024 National Read-Aloud Challenge winners:

  • East of England: Forest Academy
  • East Midlands: Ibstock Junior School
  • London: St Vincent’s Catholic Primary School
  • North East: Bede Academy
  • North West: St Catherine’s CE Primary 
  • Northern Ireland: Riverdale Primary School
  • Scotland: Kyleakin Primary
  • South East: Widmer End Community Combined School
  • South West: Oakwood Primary Academy
  • Wales: Bryncelynnog Comprehensive School
  • West Midlands: Ferndale Primary School
  • Yorkshire/Humber: Copmanthorpe Primary School
  • Multi Academy Trust: Excalibur Academies Trust
  • Small Schools Award: Ogbourne CofE Primary School
  • National Winners: St Catherine’s CE Primary

During the ceremony, speeches from key Fonetti team members highlighted the importance of the challenge:

  • Lewis Bronze MBE, reflected on his lifelong dedication to promoting children’s education. He also spoke passionately about how reading aloud builds confidence and transforms children’s learning journeys. He reminded us of the millions of children still struggling with literacy and how Fonetti’s instant feedback feature empowers them to overcome these challenges.
  • Vicki Edgar, Fonetti’s Education Manager, shared inspiring stories of students who’ve thrived through the challenge. One standout story was of a student at Ibstock Junior School who improved their reading accuracy by five months, comprehension by over two years, and reading rate by an astonishing three years – all thanks to Fonetti! Vicki also reflected on her personal journey with dyslexia and how it fuels her passion for helping children discover the joy of reading.
  • Kim Antoniou, Fonetti’s Founder and CEO, shared the inspiration behind the National Read-Aloud Challenge. Motivated by the alarming statistic that roughly one in four children miss their reading targets each year and a belief in the potential of technology to combat summer reading regression, Kim launched the initiative. She also highlighted the remarkable growth of the challenge, which expanded from 4,000 to 10,000 participants in just one year. Looking ahead, Kim expressed her ambition to surpass 50,000 participants next summer through continued collaboration with sponsors, partners, and educators.

A Sweet Finale: Cakes, Networking, and Tours
After the ceremony, guests returned to the main function room to enjoy a delightful selection of cakes, teas, and coffees. The atmosphere was relaxed, yet filled with excitement as attendees mingled and reflected on the day’s events.

Meanwhile, Amazon staff offered children guided tours of the UK headquarters. For many students, especially those from smaller towns, this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the workings of a global organisation. Their wide-eyed curiosity and thoughtful questions made the tours memorable for everyone involved.

Drinks Reception at the Light Bar
As schools began to leave around 5 PM, the remaining guests moved across the street to the Light Bar London for an exclusive drinks reception. Held in the cosy Backyard Rum Lodge, the gathering provided a perfect setting for further networking and celebrations. Conversations flowed as guests shared their thoughts on the day and their excitement for the future of the National Read-Aloud Challenge.

Looking Back and Ahead
The 2024 National Read-Aloud Challenge was a resounding success, with over 10,000 children participating from 560 schools across the UK. Together, they completed more than 13,000 hours of reading over 185,000 sessions on the Fonetti app.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to every single child who participated in this year’s challenge. We thoroughly hope you enjoyed taking part in the 2024 edition of this challenge and a massive congratulations to this year’s winning schools. We hope to see you again for the 2025 National Read-Aloud Challenge starting in June!

As we look ahead to 2025, we’re inspired by the passion and commitment shown by everyone involved. Here’s to another year of fostering a love for reading and empowering children to achieve their full potential!

A Few More Thank You’s!
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended this year’s awards ceremony – your support made it truly special!

We are especially grateful to Clare Balding and Arti Halai for their fantastic hosting and for leading such an inspiring reading session.

A huge thank you to Martin Roberts, Lewis Bronze, Rosemary Goodenough, Scott, and Bonnie for their captivating readings, which added so much magic to the event.

Our deepest thanks to the team at Amazon for once again hosting this fabulous event – your continued support means the world to us.

To the wider Fonetti team, we applaud your incredible dedication and hard work in organising this year’s National Read Aloud Challenge and awards ceremony.

Lastly, this year’s challenge and awards ceremony wouldn’t have been possible without our amazing sponsors and partners. Thank you for believing in this initiative and helping us bring it to life – we are deeply grateful!

LEAP

1Decision

Blue Cow Education

Cornerstones Education

GEC

Headerteacher Chat

Kids Active Media

Sensations English

Swoperz

TextHelp

SENsible SENco

TeacherTapp

Totally Branded

SQS

Wensum English Hub

Winning with Numbers

Wonde

YPO

Linky Thinks

Posted in National Read Aloud Challenge, Awards, Team Fonetti

Swoperz and Fonetti Unite for a Greener Future

Empowering Young Minds: Swoperz and Fonetti Unite for a Greener Future

As the founder of Fonetti, I am thrilled to share the inspiring journey behind Swoperz, a new series of books that we are proud to publish on our read-aloud app. This collaboration marks a significant step in our mission to promote engaging, educational content for children, and aligns perfectly with our commitment to sustainability and innovation.

The story of Swoperz began in a moment of creativity and family bonding during a lockdown-inspired garden fashion show. Co-founders of Swoperz, Vicky Fuller and Charlene Hurlock felt the urge to transform this relatable experience into something meaningful for children everywhere. They aimed to craft a series that not only entertains but also educates young readers about vital themes such as sustainability, friendship, and the power of small actions to make a big difference.

“The Swoperz Fashion Show isn’t just a story; it’s a movement. We want to empower kids to control their style with a conscience, showing them that even small changes can have a big impact on our planet. Through Sophia and Pretti’s adventure, we hope to inspire a new generation of eco-conscious fashionistas.”

This powerful vision resonated deeply with us at Fonetti. Our platform’s innovative, digital approach to reading provides an ideal match for Swoperz’s modern, sustainability-focused brand. By choosing Fonetti, Swoperz ensures their books are easily accessible across various devices, reaching a wide audience eager for stories that matter.

Additionally, Fonetti’s involvement in initiatives like the National Read-Aloud Challenge offers an excellent opportunity for more children to discover the Swoperz story and its important messages. We believe that reading should be an interactive, enjoyable experience that sparks curiosity and fosters a love for learning. With Swoperz, children can immerse themselves in a world where style meets sustainability, and every small action contributes to a larger impact.

At Fonetti, we are dedicated to making reading an engaging and transformative experience. The collaboration with Swoperz underscores our commitment to delivering high-quality, meaningful content that not only entertains but also educates. We are excited to see the positive influence this series will have on young readers, inspiring them to become thoughtful, eco-conscious individuals.

In a world where digital platforms are increasingly shaping how we learn and interact, Fonetti stands out by offering a unique, interactive reading experience. By partnering with forward-thinking creators like Swoperz, we continue to push the boundaries of what educational content can achieve.

We look forward to seeing how Sophia and Pretti’s adventures inspire and educate children around the world.

Together with Swoperz, we are making strides towards a future where every story told can contribute to a better, more sustainable world.

Posted in News, Authors, National Read Aloud Challenge

Is reading the most effective homework we can assign children?

Reading is an essential skill that serves as the foundation for academic success and personal growth. In today’s fast-paced world, it is more important than ever to cultivate a love for reading in children from an early age. But with so many activities vying for their attention, is reading still the best form of homework we can give our children? In this blog, we will explore the benefits of reading as homework and why it should continue to be a priority for parents and educators.

The Power of Reading
Reading is more than just decoding words on a page. It opens up a whole new world of imagination, knowledge, and creativity. Through books, children can experience different cultures, understand complex concepts, and develop critical thinking skills. Reading also helps build vocabulary, improves concentration, and enhances memory retention. In short, reading is a superpower that can equip children with the tools they need to succeed in life.

Advantages of Reading as Homework
Giving children reading assignments as homework not only reinforces the skills they learn in school but also offers additional benefits. Firstly, it allows for independent learning and encourages self-directed study habits. This is especially important in today’s education system, where self-motivation and time management are crucial skills. Secondly, reading as homework can also involve the whole family, promoting a positive bonding experience and creating a supportive learning environment for the child.

The Impact of Digital Devices
With the increase in digital devices, children are growing tech-savvy and showing a genuine interest in all things tech. This presents a remarkable opportunity to foster a love for reading by intertwining technology with books so we should leverage this enthusiasm to empower children and ignite their passion for reading!

Encouraging a Love for Reading
Children are more likely to enjoy reading when they have the freedom to choose their own books. Parents and educators can encourage this by providing a wide variety of reading materials, including fiction, non-fiction, and graphic novels. It is also essential to create a comfortable and inviting reading space for children, free from distractions and noise. By making reading an enjoyable and rewarding experience, children are more likely to develop a love for reading that will last a lifetime.

Reading is undoubtedly the best homework we can give our children. It not only helps them academically but also fosters personal growth and development. By promoting a love for reading from an early age, we are equipping our children with the skills and tools they need to succeed in life. 

By utilising Fonetti in schools, teachers can assign reading homework to students through the platform and effortlessly monitor their progress. This includes tracking completion of reading tasks, assessing reading speed and accuracy, as well as identifying any specific areas where additional support may be required. So let’s make reading a priority and watch our children thrive. 

In the pursuit of cultivating lifelong readers, Fonetti has introduced the annual National Read-Aloud Challenge. This free initiative grants schools and users complimentary access to the app during summer months of June, July and August, aiming to combat summer reading regression and instil a love for reading in children.

To support your children reading at home, enrol your school or child in this year’s challenge, visit https://www.readaloudchallenge.co.uk/ and engage with this enriching opportunity.

Posted in National Read Aloud Challenge, Insights, Reading

Children’s Mental Health Week: Why Does Reading Makes Us Feel Good?

Children’s Mental Health Week is an annual event that aims to raise awareness about mental health and well-being. It is a week-long campaign that encourages people to talk openly about their emotions, seek help if needed, and take care of their mental health.

Schools play a crucial role in promoting positive mental health among children. They provide a safe and supportive environment for students to learn and grow, not just academically but also emotionally and socially.

One of the ways primary schools can promote mental health during Mental Health Week is by incorporating reading into their curriculum. Reading has been proven to have a positive effect on our mental well-being. It can help reduce stress, improve concentration, and boost empathy and understanding of others.

During Mental Health Week, primary schools can organise reading activities that focus on mental health and well-being. This could include reading books or articles about emotions, mindfulness, self-care, and coping strategies.

Teachers can also use read-aloud sessions as an opportunity to discuss mental health with their students. By choosing age-appropriate books that tackle mental health topics, teachers can help children better understand their own emotions and those of others.

Reading can also be used as a tool to address mental health stigma. By reading stories that portray characters struggling with mental health issues, students can develop empathy and learn to be more accepting of people who may have different struggles than their own.

Incorporating reading into Mental Health Week activities not only promotes literacy but also helps create a positive and open dialogue about mental health among students. It encourages them to express their feelings, ask questions, and seek support if needed.

Reading can also be a form of self-care for children. By reading books that they enjoy, children can relax and take a break from any stress or worries they may have. This promotes a healthy coping mechanism and teaches children the importance of taking care of their mental health.

How does Fonetti support children’s mental health?
Fonetti is a great resource to support children in regulating their emotions and supporting mental health. Books not only allow children to escape into another world and develop imagination and curiosity, but they also support children with understanding tricky emotions and help them to process how they are feeling. When children read aloud with Fonetti, their full attention is devoted to the task, preventing their minds from wandering elsewhere. By adopting a focused approach to reading, children channel their thoughts while receiving valuable support in regulating their emotions. This intentional practice enhances their reading abilities but also contributes to their overall emotional well-being.

During the recent National Read-Aloud Awards ceremony, we were deeply moved when children expressed how reading aloud on Fonetti made them feel calm. Their words humbled us and reinforced the positive impact of our platform.

To mark this year’s Children’s Mental Health Day, we will be gifting the following books for free for the duration of the week:

  • Aife and Stray: Seven Style Secrets for a Perilous Party
  • Ali and Loki
  • The Ugly Duckling
Posted in News, National Read Aloud Challenge, Reading

Auris Tech & NSPCC Join Forces to Promote Safe, Joyful Reading

Auris Tech, the innovative developers behind Fonetti, the groundbreaking Read Aloud App is joining forces with the NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children) in a joint mission to protect and nurture childhood. Through this exciting collaboration, our goal is to foster a vibrant culture of reading and comprehension. By supporting and funding the NSPCC through our partnership, we aspire to empower children to embrace the power of spoken words, encouraging them to express themselves confidently whenever necessary.

Auris Tech is proud to stand alongside the NSPCC, an incredible charity dedicated to making a difference.

Fonetti, an innovative read-aloud application aimed at enhancing children’s oracy, reading fluency, and accuracy, incorporates state-of-the-art, multi-patented automatic speech recognition technology developed in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh. This advanced technology actively listens to a child’s reading, providing real-time feedback for immediate improvement.

Auris Tech is delighted to support the NSPCC and has committed to donating £5 from every school licence sold throughout the partnership period. Auris Tech is also granting the NSPCC a bank of Fonetti school portal licences to distribute as needed, along with a generous number of Fonetti home user licences.

The partnership between Auris Tech and the NSPCC exemplifies the positive impact that can be achieved when the worlds of business and charity collaborate for the greater good of children. The visionary Founder and CEO of Auris Tech, Kim Antoniou, is proud to stand side by side with the NSPCC in their commitment to creating a better world for children. Antoniou firmly believes that Fonetti will play a vital role in instilling a love for reading, an essential aspect of both educational and emotional development. By working together, Auris Tech and the NSPCC are fostering a culture of reading while prioritising child safety.

Katie Fudge, fundraising manager at the NSPCC, said: “Reading is one of the greatest gifts we can give children. We are so pleased that Auris Tech has chosen to support the NSPCC in so many wonderful ways, and we are thrilled that our PANTS book is now available on Fonetti.”

The NSPCC is the leading children’s charity fighting to end child abuse in the UK and Channel Islands. Using voluntary donations, which make up around 90 per cent of its funding, the charity helps children who’ve been abused to rebuild their lives, protects children at risk, and finds the best ways of preventing child abuse from ever happening.

Pantosaurus and the Power of PANTS is an original children’s book by Rebecca Gerlings and Fhiona Galloway written exclusively for the NSPCC. It gives caregivers a simple way to talk to their child about staying safe from sexual abuse.

Through their endorsement of Fonetti and partnership with Auris Tech, the NSPCC is raising awareness of its mission and actively promoting a culture of prevention and reporting. Auris Tech’s strong commitment to this cause aids the NSPCC in providing vital support and resources to children and their families.

The Fonetti app, available for both individual users and schools, has proven to be an exceptional tool for parents and teachers, effectively aiding children in developing their reading skills with boosted confidence and a newfound love for reading that will benefit them for a lifetime. Auris Tech’s National Read Aloud Challenge encourages the powerful benefits of independent reading. Through active participation in the challenge, parents and teachers contribute to fostering a love for reading, promoting emotional intelligence, and enhancing mental well-being.

In conclusion, the partnership between Auris Tech and the NSPCC demonstrates the incredible impact that can be achieved when businesses and charities unite to effect positive change in society. 

By championing reading and child safety, Auris Tech and the NSPCC are providing invaluable resources to children and their families. Education, safety, and emotional support are integral components of a child’s development, and this partnership represents a significant stride forward in ensuring every child has access to these essential resources. The Fonetti app empowers parents and teachers while the National Read Aloud Challenge promotes the joy of reading aloud and fosters emotional intelligence. With these collaborative efforts, Auris Tech and NSPCC are paving the way for a brighter future for all children.

About Auris Tech:
Auris Tech is a leading developer of a unique advanced automatic speech recognition technology developed in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh specifically for read speech which is committed to improving literacy and supporting English language learning for children worldwide. Their flagship product, Fonetti, is revolutionising the way children acquire reading skills by utilising cutting-edge speech recognition technology.

About NSPCC:
The NSPCC is the leading children’s charity fighting to end child abuse in the UK and Channel Islands. Using voluntary donations, which make up around 90 per cent of our funding, we help children who’ve been abused to rebuild their lives, we protect children at risk, and we find the best ways of preventing child abuse from ever happening. So when a child needs a helping hand, we’ll be there. When parents are finding it tough, we’ll help. When laws need to change, or governments need to do more, we won’t give up until things improve.

Their Childline service provides a safe, confidential place for children with no one else to turn to, whatever their worry, whenever they need help. Children can contact Childline 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Their free NSPCC helpline is open every day of the year for any adult worried about a child. Their practitioners provide advice and support, listen to concerns about a child, and offer general information about child protection.

About The National Read Aloud Challenge:
The National Read Aloud Challenge is a nationwide initiative dedicated to encouraging reading among children. By providing free access to a wide range of books and fostering a love for literature, the challenge aims to boost literacy, inspire creativity, and empower young minds.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Kim Antoniou
Kim@auris.tech
07947 820420

Posted in News, Appearances, National Read Aloud Challenge, Reading

Be Proud Read Aloud!

Reading aloud is a powerful tool for children of all ages to improve their literacy skills. Not only does it help them learn new words and concepts, but it also supports children with language development, encourages critical thinking and stimulates creativity. 

Benefits for All
Reading Rockets explains that, ‘Reading aloud is the foundation for literacy development.’ The act of reading aloud can be especially beneficial for young children who are just learning to read. It helps them build a strong foundation in language by introducing them to new words, sentence structure, and other important elements of writing. Reading aloud also allows kids to practise their pronunciation and learn proper pacing when speaking or telling stories. Additionally, it provides an opportunity for them to practise their memory and recall skills, as well as cultivate a love of books and stories.

For older children who are already capable readers, reading aloud provides an opportunity for them to further develop their language and comprehension skills. It allows them to practise fluency in both speaking and reading, which can help strengthen overall literacy skills. Additionally, it encourages critical thinking and enhances understanding of concepts as they must actively pay attention to the story, analyse information, and form opinions.

Lifelong Readers
Reading aloud is an invaluable tool for children of any age to improve their literacy skills and become lifelong readers. Consistent, quality interactions with books can make all the difference in a child’s life and set them up for success! From early language development through to critical thinking and comprehension skills, reading aloud is an important skill to help children become lifelong learners. As such, it’s important for parents/caregivers to make reading aloud a regular part of their child’s daily routine.

The National Read Aloud Challenge
The National Read Aloud Challenge is on a mission to encourage more children to read aloud confidently and independently over the summer break and aims to reduce reading regression that inevitably occurs during the holidays. Reading aloud is a vital skill all children benefit from however it is something that makes a lot of children (and adults!) feel anxious. 

We are determined to help children enjoy reading aloud and realise what a joy it is to use their voice to tell a story. 

The National Read Aloud Challenge uses  Fonetti, the Read Aloud App, to succeed in this mission. Fonetti allows children to read aloud independently with no adults needed at all. Children can make errors without feeling as if they are being judged by their peers or adults and receive instant, constructive feedback making them progress with their reading. Fonetti feels like a friend and children feel supported by the app.

Sign up now and be proud to read aloud!

https://www.readaloudchallenge.co.uk/

Posted in National Read Aloud Challenge, Reading

Fluency in all its Glory!

Fluency in reading is an important skill for success in school and in life. Fluency is the ability to read accurately, quickly, and with expression. It helps students comprehend what they are reading more effectively and enables them to spend less time decoding words and more time understanding the content. When students can read fluently, it encourages them to become engaged readers who explore different genres and topics.

Break it Down
The EEF explains how the development of fluency in reading can be broken down into three distinct skills: accuracy, automaticity and prosody. 

  • Accuracy refers to the ability to recognise words quickly and accurately; this is achieved by developing basic phonemic awareness and decoding skills. 
  • Automaticity is reading words automatically. It enables appropriate reading speed and should feel effortless. Automaticity requires accuracy.
  • Prosody is the ability to read text with intonation and emotion; this is accomplished by having children vary their voices as they read aloud using different volume, smoothness and pace. Prosody requires accuracy and automaticity. 

These three skills are essential for building fluency in reading and helping students become more confident and proficient readers. Fluency supports comprehension and as the EEF states, ‘fluency is sometimes described as a bridge from word recognition to comprehension.’ By providing students with meaningful reading experiences, they can be encouraged to practise their fluency skills and become avid readers. With dedication and practice, fluency in reading can help students grow and succeed.

Read to Succeed 
In order to ensure students are reaching their full potential in reading fluency, teachers and parents should provide ample opportunities for children to practise and develop these skills. Activities such as interactive read aloud sessions and timed readings can help build accuracy and speed. 
The DFE states in The Reading Framework 2022 that ‘reading engagement is not possible if children struggle with the basic mechanics of reading. Fluency and enjoyment are the result of careful teaching and practice.’

Fabulously Fluent with Fonetti
Fonetti has partnered with the National Read Aloud Challenge to ensure children have the chance to develop their reading fluency over the summer break. It is such a crucial skill that needs to be practised in order to be a successful reader. 

Children will have access to hundreds of books on the Fonetti in app library for free to practise their fluency over the holidays. They will receive instant, constructive feedback so they are making progress all while having fun.

Enrol your school now!

https://www.readaloudchallenge.co.uk

Posted in Insights, National Read Aloud Challenge, Reading