The benefits to reading for pleasure are countless! From better brain development to improved mental health, getting children reading is so important.
Get to know their reading habits
Why not share a short survey with parents, or discuss books in class to find out about their views on reading for pleasure.
- Do they enjoy reading?
- What are their favourite books?
- Do they read at home (on their own or with adults)?
- How often do they read for pleasure?
By getting to know your children as readers, you can adapt the school environment and find enticing books, tailored to their needs and interests.
Get everyone excited about reading
Do your colleagues read for pleasure? Try and include book recommendations in staff meetings, or implement a facility to share thoughts and feedback about new books or old favourites.
You could also follow authors on social media and explore initiatives such as the Reading Agency’s Teaching Reading Challenge.
When adults are enthused about reading, it filters down to the children.
Reading with meaning
Share books that link to national awareness days, such as Black History Month or Anti-Bullying Week, or discuss books that may represent some pupil’s own life experiences, such as being a young carer or having a disability.
Don’t forget to promote reading competitions as they’re a great way to build excitement across the school. Check out the National Literary Trust’s competitions.
Book swap events
Give your children the opportunity to pick up a new book (to them!). The more your children are interested in the books you provide, the more they will want to read, but when finances are tight, book swap events are a great way to replenish their book shelf at home.
You could set up a dedicated shelf for children to help themselves o books, or leave a book they have finished with.
Or you could consider running a second-hand book sale, sell your unwanted stock to raise funds to replenish the school library.
Involve your community
We all know that books can be costly, if you are lucky enough to have a local bookshop, consider running a scheme where your community could purchase books through the bookshop for the school library.
Accessing books
The Book Trust charity has lots of programmes, including the Letterbox Club which gives books to disadvantaged children.
There are also many apps that offer free ebooks for children of all ages.
