Reading for pleasure webinar – building a classroom reading culture
We were thrilled to partner with Jon Biddle to explore effective and practical methods for fostering a love of reading in the classroom. Jon, a passionate and highly knowledgeable primary school teacher, has made remarkable strides in transforming his own school’s reading culture, making him the ideal person to lead this session.
Context
- Research shows reading for pleasure boosts academic success, vocabulary, empathy and community participation.
- A National Literacy Trust survey found that only 34% of children enjoy reading at home, down from 59% in 2016.
- Barriers to reading at home include technology, time constraints and lack of access to books.
- Only 7% of children’s books published in 2022 featured a main character of colour.
The power of reading for pleasure in schools
In Jon’s session, he discussed the critical importance of reading for pleasure in schools, explaining how his current school was effectively ‘rebuilt’ around the idea of nurturing a thriving reading culture. By prioritising reading as a central element of school life, Jon has witnessed first-hand how it can positively impact not just academic performance but also children’s personal growth, creativity, and emotional wellbeing.
Jon’s approach to teacher training is always grounded in the real experiences of children. He shared valuable insights into why reading for pleasure is crucial, drawing on compelling research and evidence of the success of various strategies. His session also highlighted how fostering a love for reading goes beyond just introducing books – it’s about creating an environment where reading is something to be celebrated and integrated into daily life.
To develop reading for pleasure, it’s important children have:
- Daily independent reading time.
- High-quality and diverse books to select from.
- Regular reading aloud sessions.
- Classroom book talk.
Practical strategies to build a reading culture
One of the standout aspects of Jon’s training was his emphasis on practical, actionable ideas that can be directly applied in the classroom.
Whether it was about setting up engaging reading spaces, allowing opportunities for children to take ownership of bookshelves, or making time to develop the use of book talk in the classroom, Jon provided teachers with a wealth of strategies that could be easily adapted to suit different classroom settings.
Other practical strategies include reading surveys to assess students” reading habits, student book recommendations, reading scrapbooks and reading champions.
Parental involvement to nurture reading for pleasure
Jon also offered insights into the importance of involving parents in the reading process. He shared strategies, like writing and distributing poems and parents and children reflecting on their reading experiences together, for engaging families and building a strong partnership between home and school. This holistic approach not only helps reinforce the message that reading is something to be enjoyed, but it also creates a supportive community around the child’s reading journey.
Jon’s session was an excellent blend of research, practical tips, and personal experience, leaving teachers with a solid foundation for improving their school’s reading culture. His passion for reading for pleasure was infectious, and his approach showed that with the right strategies, it’s possible to instil a lifelong love of reading in children, which can have lasting benefits for their academic success and personal development.
Watch the webinar recording here. Please note this recording will only be available until the end of February 2025.
If you enjoyed listening to Jon’s advice about developing reading in schools, find out more about through his Bluesky page and Reading for Pleasure Padlet.
