A professional conversation for primary schools
The National Year of Reading 2026 is a powerful moment for schools to reflect upon and refresh the role of reading in their settings. This set of professional development resources aims to support schools to do just that, ensuring that both vision and everyday practice nurture the skill - and importantly, the will - of reading. Through discussion, reflection and evidence-informed input, teachers and leaders will explore their reading cultures and consider impactful ways that they can support all children to find a connection to reading.
This resource is made up of three professional development sessions:
Session 1: Establishing a shared vision for reading for pleasure
In this session, teachers and leaders consider what reading for pleasure means for them and work together to craft a powerful and effective vision which fits the needs of their pupils, communities and wider contexts.
Session 2: Vision into practice
This session looks at the everyday reading routines in your schools, both within and outside the curriculum, and how these could be enhanced to deepen your pupils connection with reading.
Session 3: Books and beyond
The final session builds teacher knowledge around modern children's reading and how we might take a more personalised approach to recommending reading material to our pupils. It focuses on three key text-types which have been shown to have particular appeal to less engaged readers: multimodal texts including graphic novels and comics, texts linked to existing hobbies and interests and different forms and formats, including on-screen and audio.
Each session includes a slide deck, guidance for the session lead and any additional material to support the session.
Whether used one at a time or as part of an intensive training day, these resources will support teachers and leaders to build upon their existing practice and plan a path ahead.
Download files
- Primary Session 1 Presentation - Establishing a shared vision for reading for pleasure
- Primary Session 1 Presenter guidance - Establishing a shared vision for reading for pleasure
- Primary Session 2 Presentation - Vision into practice
- Primary Session 2 Presenter guidance - Vision into Practice
- Primary Session 2 - supplementary resource
- Primary Session 3 Presentation - Books and beyond
- Primary Session 3 Presenter guidance - Books and Beyond
- Primary Session 3 Resource List
You might also be interested in
-
Free
Celebrate national Non-Fiction November in your classroom with our expertly curated guidance, booklists and classroom ideas.View details about Non-Fiction November -
Free
Download your National Year of Reading termly calendars and phase‑specific resources that support the current termly theme. Plus, catch up on previous events and webinars.View details about National Year of Reading schools and early years resources and toolkit -
Premium
These resources for primary teachers provide practical tips and ideas for inspiring a vibrant whole-school reading environment.View details about Developing a whole-school reading environment for primary schools
