We all know the many benefits that reading can bring to your students. The right words can spark a pupil's imagination, calm their mind and improve their wellbeing.
Each year to coincide with World Mental Health Day on 10 October we celebrate Take 10 to Read, our reading for pleasure campaign to raise awareness of the benefits of reading to mental health and wellbeing. We run virtual events for schools and settings, from Early Years to secondary, with brilliant authors inspiring children to #Take10ToRead.
Take 10 school events
In October 2024 nearly 80,000 children from over 800 schools and settings around the UK joined in with these events, watching Sue Hendra and Paul Linnet bring Supertato to life, hearing how Natalie Denny of the Keisha Jones series started writing, and creating fantastical creatures with A.F. Steadman of the Skandar series. You can watch these below.
Take 10 with Sue and Paul
Join Sue and Paul as they read from the original Supertato! They also share top tips for children to transform supermarket foods into friends (and enemies!) to spark their imaginations. This unique session focuses on listening to stories for wellbeing and enjoying shared reading together.
Take 10 with Natalie Denny
Join award-winning author Natalie Denny, in this eco-inspired session that brings together themes of kindness, wellbeing and the environment.
Take 10 with A. F. Steadman
Join A.F. Steadman as she shares the process of making the bestselling Skandar series and her journey to becoming an author!
Support your students to Take 10 to read with this free resource
Don't wait till October to start encouraging your pupils to #Take10ToRead! Download our free resource about how to promote book choice within your classroom.
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Help promote book choice for your pupils.Download now
Supporting wellbeing through literacy teaching
Check out our collection of activities designed to allow children and young people to reflect on their experiences, and bond with classmates and teachers.
They also provide opportunities to revisit and build on literacy skills, to strengthen learning re-establishing both skills and enjoyment across reading, writing, speaking and listening.
More wellbeing resources for schools
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Read our brand new research out this year on reading enjoyment, frequency and attitudes in children aged 5 to 18Learn more
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Writing letters for your local care home can help to combat loneliness among older adults while increasing pupils' motivation to write.Learn more
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Free wellbeing-themed teaching resources for primary schools, secondary schools and parents.Learn more
