Free literacy teaching resources

Browse reading activities and lesson ideas for a range of topics that will make teaching literacy and English more accessible and engaging for your students. See below for a selection of resources you can access for free.

Our resources are perfect for teachers and literacy practitioners in primary and secondary schools, and early years settings.

Discover highlights in the list below, or explore our full selection of resources.
To support families we also have a comprehensive web portal, grouped by age, with links to lots of free home-learning activities on Words for Life.

Literacy resources for cultural events and UK awareness days

Literacy teaching ideas, resources and reading activities spanning different ages and phases that align with key awareness and celebration dates in the planning calendar for schools and settings.

Explore our 2023-2024 teaching events calendar for more inspiration.

Celebrate national Non-Fiction November in your classroom with our expertly curated guidance, booklists and classroom ideas.
Learn more about Non-Fiction November 2023.
Celebrate the festive period with fun literacy activities
Learn more about Hot topic: winter wonderland.
Matt will be discussing his book The Boy Who Slept Through Christmas (recommended for KS2 pupils) in our online webinar.
Learn more about Meet Matt Lucas in this festively funny online event!.

Early years

Our early years resources and literacy activities will help schools, settings and parents support children’s development from birth to age 5 (EYFS).

Nursery rhymes are extremely valuable to support language and communication skills, build confidence and prepare children for reading and writing as they get older!
Learn more
The set of cards are designed to support parents and carers of 0 to 5-year-olds to talk and play more with their children while they are out and about.
Download
This easy-to-read guide now comes in 22 languages and is full of suggestions for how parents can support their young child's learning at home.
Learn more

Primary and cross-phase resources

We have a wealth of free resources and lesson plans available to support literacy teaching in primary schools.

Enrich your students’ learning with this fantastic STEM reading challenge as our We Wonder series returns with a space-travel theme.
Learn more
Celebrate World Kindness Day on Monday 13 November with assemblies and classroom resources for pupils aged 5-11.
Learn more
Start the new school year with a reading for pleasure picturebook challenge!
Learn more

Secondary and cross-phase resources

Inspire and motivate pupils to support and improve literacy provision with English teachers resources and our secondary lesson ideas.

We have partnered with the acclaimed stage musical Wicked to create a schools' writing competition about the environment.
Learn more
A free 60-minute webinar for all teachers who wish to develop their understanding and confidence to discuss financial topics in the class room through the power of literacy.
Download
Classroom poetry writing activities inspired by The Boy Lost In The Maze by Waterstone's Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho for students aged 14-18 (KS4 - KS5)
Learn more

Key Stage literacy and reading resources

See filtered lists of:

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) literacy resources (Early level/Progression Step 1)
Key Stage 1 (KS1) literacy resources (First level/Progression Step 2)
Key Stage 2 (KS2) literacy resources (Second level/Progression Step 2-3)
Key Stage 3 (KS3) literacy resources (Third/fourth level/Progression Step 4)
Key Stage 4 (KS4) literacy resources (Senior phase/Progression Step 5)

More support for improving literacy in schools and settings

We provide a range of evidence-based training, interventions, programmes and resources to support teachers and practitioners to enable children to move forward and develop their skills.

Evidence-based CPD and inspiring conferences to help you evaluate, plan and take action to improve literacy outcomes in your setting.
Learn more
Highly engaging and evaluated programmes to improve reading, writing, speaking and listening skills in the UK's most disadvantaged communities.
Learn more
Evidence-based interventions for reading, writing and language development
Learn more