Encouraging book talk

Create a buzz about books

Our research shows reading for pleasure can support both reading and wider literacy, skills, as well as bringing benefits for wellbeing and empathy. Giving children choice across both formats and genres is essential. Peer recommendations and book talk play a significant part in generating enthusiasm for reading.

In this resource we've provided simple and straightforward ideas you can use with all year groups to encourage a buzz about books across the whole school.

Often pupils struggle to know what books to choose, so we've suggested lots of ways to help them make recommendations to each other.

Whether you have 10, 20 or 30 minutes to devote to pupils talking about what they have read, sharing preferences or new reading discoveries, explore this resource to discover flexible ideas you can put into practice straightaway that will promote reading for pleasure in your classroom.

Next steps

If you like the ideas in this resource, why not explore these suggestions:

• Host a Book Tasting Event! Book choice strategies supporting reading for pleasure
• Research into Practice: Building lifelong readers