A1751 - The art and joy of reading: for wellbeing, reflection and confidence (all levels)

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Start Date: 23/09/2026      End Date: 21/10/2026        Start Time: 18:00      End Time: 19:30        Hours per Week: 1.50      No of Weeks: 5
Fees:      £51.00 (tuition)     £96.00 (overseas)     £16.00 (concessionary)
Tutor: Caroline Ing Chambers        No of Places: 12
Idea Store Whitechapel

Course Overview

Course Overview
Curious about reading as a calm, reflective practice that supports wellbeing and learning?

This course invites learners to rediscover the joy of reading while building confidence in learning and supporting personal wellbeing. It is ideal for adults of all ages, whether you are returning to learning, exploring further study, or simply looking for a meaningful and enriching way to engage your mind.

Learners work with short, accessible texts such as literary extracts, poetry, and nonfiction. The emphasis is on how we read, slowly, attentively, and with curiosity, rather than on completing books or taking part in informal discussion. Guided activities help learners develop focus, reflection, and enjoyment, encouraging deeper engagement with ideas and language.

Reading is explored as both a pleasurable and therapeutic practice and a way to strengthen key skills for learning and personal development, including concentration, interpretation, critical thinking, and self-expression. This is a facilitated learning course, not a book club, and no previous study experience is required, just an openness to reading, reflection, and learning at a comfortable pace.

What will you learn and be able to do?

What will you learn and be able to do?
* Engage with short texts attentively, taking part in guided reading activities with increased focus and enjoyment.
* Express responses to texts using at least two approaches (spoken, written, creative, or group based).
* Share ideas and feelings about texts with increased confidence during structured discussions or activities.
* Apply reading and reflection skills such as concentration, interpretation, and self-expression to support readiness for further learning.
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Entry requirements

Entry requirements
You will be able to speak English clearly and follow verbal and written instructions. You will also be able to read English fluently.
Prosp User 8

Equipment required

Equipment required
Pen and Paper. Comfortable clothing
Prosp User 9

How will you know you are making progress?

How will you know you are making progress?
The tutor will give on-going feedback during the course, particularly by means of the mid-course assessment

Students are encouraged to monitor their progress and achievement using an Individual Learning Plan (ILP).

You will also gain more from the course if you commit time to it outside the classroom
Prosp User 12
No formal examination or assessment.
Prosp User 11

Progress opportunities - your next steps

Progress opportunities - your next steps
Creative writing and other wellbeing and adult community learning creative courses
Prosp User 10

Other info

Other info
In general, we will not allow late enrolment to any course after the first two weeks.

Children are not allowed in our health & fitness courses unless they are specifically family learning classes. Please do not ask your tutor to give your child access as they do not have the authority to do this.
Prosp User 13

Extra Support

Extra Support
If you have declared a learning difficulty, disability or support need whilst enrolling and you require support/assistance in class or to complete your course, please discuss your needs with your tutor at the first lesson.

If you intend to take an examination and feel you have an additional learning need or special requirements, you must declare them to your tutor within the first 2 weeks of your course.

If you are studying in an online group, then you can arrange a one-to-one online discussion with your tutor, after the session, or by email.
Prosp User 14