Primary school teacher and children’s author Jane has launched guided reading resources to support primary school children in Years 5 and 6 reading her first novel, Hannah and the Hollow Tree.

“I hope that from the range of resources included in the pack, teachers – and even parents who are currently home-schooling – can find something useful and engaging which helps their young readers,” said Jane.

The resources include a range of activities and ideas to support comprehension and encourage children to reflect on the book’s key message about how humans are damaging the planet. Other themes for them to consider include family, loyalty, and trust.

Jane is offering the reading resources for free when purchasing Hannah and the Hollow Tree, to try and combat The National Literacy’s Trust’s latest findings which show children and young people’s levels of reading enjoyment continue to decline and are at their lowest since 2013.

She said: “By offering free resources to accompany the first book of the trilogy, I'm hoping to play my part in reversing this worrying trend. Now, perhaps more than ever, children need safe places to explore issues like climate change, their potential, family dynamics, and friendship, because developing their emotional literacy in light of the rise in mental health concerns amongst the young is vital.”

Jane published Hannah and the Hollow Tree - whilst completing a master's degree in Creative Writing at Leeds Trinity University and working full-time as a primary teacher. She graduated with a Distinction in December 2018 and has since become a part-time teacher as she pursues her career in writing.

Brett Arnall, Alumni Relations Officer at Leeds Trinity University, said: “We are very proud of Jane and her commitment to educating children about climate change through reading. As a parent, I appreciate the valuable role teachers play in educating and inspiring children, now more than ever due to current circumstances. These guided reading materials are a great help for parents who are juggling home-schooling for the first time, as well as for schools struggling with resourcing and funding.”

The guided reading pack is valued at £49.99 but is free when purchasing a copy of Hannah and the Hollow Tree for £7.99. Jane is also planning on launching additional reading resources to accompany Gaia’s Revenge, the second book in The Earth Chronicles trilogy.

For more information, or to purchase copies of The Earth Chronicles and accompanying guided reading materials, visit Jane’s website.