Ideas Hive
Creating a Culture of Reading for Pleasure in Schools: Why It Matters and How to Encourage It
At the beginning of a new school year, as teachers, we’re looking for ways to inspire children to love learning and develop strong literacy skills. One of the most powerful and evidence-based strategies is promoting reading for pleasure in primary schools. Research from the National Literacy Trust shows that children who read regularly for enjoyment not only achieve higher academic outcomes but also develop empathy, creativity, and resilience.
Why Reading for Pleasure Matters
Improved academic success: Evidence from UK studies highlights that pupils who enjoy reading perform better across the curriculum, not just in English but also in maths and science.
Wellbeing and mental health: Reading can be a source of comfort, escapism, and relaxation for children, improving their overall wellbeing.
Cultural capital and empathy: Books expose children to different perspectives, helping them understand others and broaden their horizons.
Promoting Reading for Pleasure in School
In order to kickstart the new schol year, we have launched an engaging school assembly on reading for pleasure, introducing children to a wide range of exciting new books and encouraging them to make a Reading Pledge: a simple promise to themselves about how they will engage with reading this year.
In the spring, we will host another assembly with fresh book recommendations to keep the momentum going.
10 Reading Pledge Ideas for Children (age 7-11)
I will try to read a little every day, even if it’s just 10 minutes.
I will explore a new author I haven’t read before.
I will read a book and then recommend it to a friend.
I will try a different genre, like poetry, mystery, or non-fiction.
I will visit the school or local library at least once this term.
I will share one book with my family by reading aloud.
I will swap a book with a classmate to try something new.
I will set myself a goal to finish at least one book each month.
I will read both digital books and paper books.
I will write or draw a short review of a book I enjoyed.
Supporting Teachers and Schools
Creating a culture of reading in schools requires more than one-off events. With access to high-quality reading resources for schools, teachers can keep the momentum alive all year.
By signing up to our resources, schools gain access to:
- A growing library of engaging book resources linked to age groups and interests.
- Time-saving materials that support teachers in using current and relevant literature in their teaching.
- Activities that promote fluency, deepen comprehension skills, expand vocabulary and create opportunities for talk-based, collaborative learning.
- CPD, guidance and supporting materials to set up and maintain consistency in whole class reading across KS2
- Classroom resources to embed reading skills across the curriculum.
Building a Reading Community
When schools prioritise reading for pleasure, children are more likely to view reading as a lifelong habit rather than a school task. By introducing reading pledges, assemblies, and a variety of resources, we can ensure that pupils associate books with excitement, discovery, and enjoyment.
As this school year begins, now is the perfect time to invest in creating a whole-school reading culture. Sign up today to access even more tools and resources to inspire your pupils and make reading for pleasure a priority.
Useful Resources
