A former professional actor has been keeping children across the world entertained with lockdown reading videos. Originally started for local pupils, they’re reaching children as far as Australia.
From her family’s farm in Farnsfield, Rosie Mclaughlin’s Jackanory-style reading videos are being watched by children and teachers all over the world.
The events manager at Embark Federation decided to do something positive during lockdown for the trust’s pupils.
The mother of two said: “Not all parents can read every single day to their children. I’m doing home school as well and know how difficult it is to find that time.
“I just want children to love books.”
But the videos, which are filmed and edited by Embark staff, have been reaching hundreds of children far beyond the East Midlands.
Rosie’s using her experience as a professional actor to bring the stories to life. She’s appeared in the big-screen film Far from the Madding Crowd and the BBC’s Great Expectations.
“I’m getting requests from teachers in Edinburgh, Essex and even Australia,” she added.
“It’s been put on the back burner since I had children, so it’s nice to use those skills again.”
With requests now coming in from around the world, Rosie’s determined to continue her videos throughout lockdown.
She said: “Every single school day I’m going to read a different book, and we’re going to expand to Key Stage 2, so some of the older children.
“I’m going to keep on going and just hope to keep something positive pushing on during lockdown.”
