Supporting wellbeing through literacy teaching

The National Literacy Trust research has explored and identified links between children's literacy engagement and their wellbeing.

Research undertaken during the first pandemic lockdown showed that both reading and writing supported children's mental wellbeing. Among our key findings:

• Children said that reading (59%), writing (41.3%) and listening to audiobooks (31.8%) during lockdown made them feel better
• Children said that reading (32%) and writing (24.8%) during lockdown helped them when they felt sad because they couldn’t see their family and friends.

Our COVID-19 Research and Policy Observatory gathers research, insights and policy developments relating to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children's learning, literacy and wellbeing, with a particular focus on less advantaged children and young people.

However, in addition to the far-reaching influences of the pandemic, there are other life experiences that may negatively impact children's wellbeing. We know that schools and settings take a considered and serious approach to ensuring the wellbeing of the children they work with, building resilience, hope and self-efficacy.

How can we help?

Building on our research and embracing the five levers of the recovery curriculum, we have gathered resources and information to help you address challenges that may impact attendance, participation and children's sense of wellbeing.

The activities are designed to allow children and young people to reflect on their experiences, and build the understanding and bonds with others that will help them cope with a wide array of challenges.

They also provide opportunities to build on literacy skills and strengthen learning across reading, writing, speaking and listening.

We work closely with partner organisations to help teachers and practitioners access sources of help for their own wellbeing, and to support the children they work with.

• Place2Be provides has a collection of mental health resources and also an online children’s mental health training course offered free to qualified teachers and school-based staff in the UK.