Supporting wellbeing through literacy teaching

We know that in schools and nurseries you will have prioritised wellbeing as lockdown and Covid-19 have disrupted children's attendance at school. You will continue to be conscious that the pandemic is presenting challenges unique to each child, impacting their personal and emotional development as well as their learning. With some children in school but many others learning remotely aspects of everyday life are subject to ongoing change that feel unfamiliar and unsettling for everyone.

Our research on children's literacy activity during the first lockdown has showed that both reading and writing supported children's mental wellbeing.

Taking in to account the five levers of the recovery curriculum, we’ve gathered resources and information to help you address the ongoing challenges that impact attendance and participation.

The activities are 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. We hope they will support you to connect with pupils and your wider community, re-establishing both skills and enjoyment across reading, writing, speaking and listening.