Reading Mentors

February 2026: enjoying books and time together

Why Reading Mentorship is so valuable. 

Mental Health Awareness.

Reading together is good for good mental health and well-being.

Reading for 6 minutes has the power to reduce stress levels by a huge 68%.

WOW! 

Reading Mentor Scheme at Elgin Academy

Mrs Toonen, our librarian, introduced the scheme to Elgin Academy in 2012 and its benefits are acknowledged within the school community. The S6 students are paired with younger pupils in S1, with the aim of encouraging reading fluency and comprehension. This sharing of books and reading takes place in the library. 

At the end of the academic session, Mrs Toonen interviews the outgoing S6 students about their experience. The responses are share with the new S6s during thier induction day.

The younger pupils are also interviewed and their responses are used to develop the scheme.

The library hosts a thank you party for the outgoing senior students during April, just before study leave.

"This programme makes a significant difference to the students, with their reading ages clearly improving.  It unlocks literacy across all their learning, in all their subjects.  It gives them the confidence to move forward in their reading and to work on a one to one basis with a positive role model." Mrs Grant, Depute Head Teacher.

"Being part of the Reading Mentor scheme this year in the library has been fantastic. I have been able to build up a really strong relationship with my reader and improve my own communication skills. It’s been incredible to watch my partner’s confidence grow, as well as his reading skills, which leads to a lovely sense of pride. I think the Paired Reading scheme is important, not only for helping the younger ones develop their reading and speaking skills and confidence, but it also helps to cement relationships between different year groups and creates a feeling of community within the school." S6 pupil.