09 Jun Lynda Croly – Readable Project Facilitator
What is your teaching background?
I have been a teacher for 27 years now and there are two things I particularly enjoy:
1) Witnessing the “aha!” moments when a child masters a difficult concept. Nothing beats this really – the joy on a child’s face when all their hard work finally pays off – priceless!
2) Reading aloud to children. I just love seeing children totally absorbed in a story, looking forward to novel time each day, debating interesting topics based on the book, the list goes on and on!
What motivated you to get involved in the Readable Project?
I got involved with the Readable Project over three years ago because I am passionate about helping dyslexic children enjoy books. I have two daughters with dyslexia and nothing gives me more pleasure than seeing them curled up, devouring a good book! It is so important that all children get to access and enjoy books. For some, this might mean listening to an audio book or listening to someone read aloud – whatever it takes to help children see books as a good thing and not something to be feared.
What book will you be reading in the next Readable Project?
I work with both age groups in the Readable Project – 3rd/4th class and 5th/6th class. The Tom Gates books have been firm favourites with 3rd and 4th class over the past few years, so I am doing “Tom Gates: Spectacular School Trip (really!)” by Liz Pichon in the autumn 2026 term. Tom Gates books are great gateway books in my opinion, as they are so accessible for children just getting the hang of reading alone. Tom is also a very relatable character, so we always find plenty to discuss! For 5th/6th class I will be doing “Head Kid” by David Baddiel for the third time in a row as it is really good fun and, again, the characters in the book are very relatable. We always find lots of interesting topics to discuss in this book too! My last 5th/6th class group said that they really liked the layout of the book and how it doesn’t seem as daunting as other books for this age group.
What are the benefits for the children taking part in the Readable Project?
I have seen so many children grow in confidence during the Readable Project. I think creating a comfortable environment is key and we do this through playing games and ensuring that everyone knows there is no pressure on them to get things “right” – including reading.
Before our sessions begin, I let everyone know they don’t have to read aloud, but most choose to once they realise there’s no judgement and that I’m completely happy with them reading even just a few words.
Meeting other children with dyslexia is another huge part of the Readable Project and we have a lot of fun getting to know each other alongside discussing and debating topics that come up in our books. Last term 5th /6th class really liked discussing “The rights of the reader” by Daniel Pennac and this led to lots of interesting discussions on dyslexia and what it looks like in everyday life. I just love hearing all the different opinions and I like to ensure that each child is included in the Readable Project – there’s never a dull moment and that’s exactly how it should be!
To find out more about the Readable Project or to sign your child up to our next online book groups find more information at https://dyslexia.ie/classes/readable-project/