Six steps to get your primary pupils reading for pleasure
Being an avid reader and having a good knowledge of books are two of the most important things for any primary school teacher. But to bring out your pupil’s inner book worm, it’s a case of finding out what they like to read and how they like to read. Building a culture of reading is important because it teaches pupils how to focus, sparks their imagination and encourages curiosity. Though reading is essential for a child’s development only one in three pupils in the UK admit they ‘like very much’ reading.
So how you can make sure your primary pupils are reading for pleasure? These six steps will get you started:
Actively involve parents
A child who reads for 20 minutes a day is exposed to 1.8 million new words in just one year. Make sure they hit this goal by creating specific initiatives that actively involve parents in reading with their children. Pupils who are shown the joy of reading when they’re young are much more likely to become lifetime readers, so it’s essential that they’re supported both at school and at home.
Talk about the book
Set aside time to discuss a book or story to show your pupils that reading is not a solitary activity and that some of the most interesting conversations they might have in adulthood will be based on something they have read. Getting them involved in a discussion will illustrate that there are many different ways to look at a story - an important skill they’ll need in secondary school.
Exercise your storytelling skills
Get your primary pupils reading for pleasure by showing them how immersive reading can be. Find a story that you know will engage them, such as a book that allows you to try out different voices. Why not appoint a new assistant for each reading session and ask them to be in charge of any sound effects? Including your pupils in the storytelling will ensure that your reading session isn’t a time for them to sit back and relax, but a time to be engrossed in the story.
Invite an author to your school
Celebrate the joy of reading and invite an author to your school . This is a great way to bring a story to life and get your primary pupils excited about the book of your choosing. Read through the book together to prepare them for the day and create posters that display their favourite scene.
Create a reading wall
A book review task will teach your pupils important skills that they’ll need throughout their education. To make the task more fun and engaging, design a reading wall with the class. This will show the name of each student, with the title of their book and a small extract from their review.
Give your students the freedom to choose their own book and trust that the class will provide a wide variety. With these reviews on the wall for everyone to see, students will find out about books that they might never have picked, from genres they’ve not yet tried.
Reading calendar
Create a reading calendar to celebrate some major children’s books awareness days and get your students involved by setting a fun activity for each day. Here are a few to get you started:
- On World Book Day , ask your pupils to come in dressed as one of their favourite characters or get the class to do a book swap.Roald Dhal Day falls on the author’s birthday - the 13th of September.
- Celebrate this day by reading small extracts from his books and then ask your pupils to work together to write a book for Roald Dhal that is just as imaginative and wacky.
- Take the opportunity on National Poetry Day to show students how fun poems and rhymes can be.
Let Teaching Personnel help you find your next job
Technology can be such a major distraction for children and books are now competing with mobile phones, the TV and games consoles. These six steps will show your pupils that a good book can be far more entertaining than any TV show. Now you know how to get your pupils reading for pleasure, all that’s left to do is put it into practice. Find your next primary teacher job with Teaching Personnel.
Sign up to posts
Related jobs
Salary
£12.82 - 13.00 per hour
Location free text
Tredegar
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Newport
Description
We're expanding our team at Teaching Personnel and are currently seeking passionate individuals to join us as Teaching Assistants in Tredegar (NP22) and surrounding areas. If you're considering a care
Reference
TP/TA/NP22
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Newport PrimaryAuthor
Newport PrimarySalary
£120 - 160 per day
Location free text
Sheffield
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Teacher
Location
Sheffield
Description
Are you ready to inspire young minds and shape the future? Our vibrant school in S35 is seeking a dedicated Primary Teacher to join our dynamic team.Position: Primary Teacher Location: S35 Contract: F
Reference
JH151
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Sheffield NorthAuthor
Sheffield NorthSalary
£85 - 100 per day
Location free text
Wigan
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Wigan
Description
Primary Teaching Assistant Required for Immediate Start in Wigan Position: Primary Teaching AssistantLocation: WiganStart Date: ImmediateDuration: Temporary, with possibility of extension A fantasti
Reference
TA21131
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Wigan and Warrington BranchAuthor
Wigan and Warrington BranchSalary
Market related
Location free text
Southampton
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Primary
Location
Southampton
Description
Are you interested in a Teaching Assistant position in Southampton for the summer term?Whether you have experience working in schools as a Teaching Assistant or a care assistant, we would love to hear
Reference
30393404
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Hampshire PrimaryAuthor
Hampshire PrimarySalary
Market related
Location free text
Southampton
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Primary
Location
Southampton
Description
Job Title: Primary Teacher – KS2Pay Rate: Competitive pay rateStart Date: September 2024 Location: Southampton We are currently working with a school in Southampton who is looking for a KS2 primary te
Reference
30393
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Hampshire PrimaryAuthor
Hampshire PrimarySalary
Market related
Location free text
Southampton
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Primary
Location
Southampton
Description
Are you looking for more casual supply work in the local area?Perhaps you are a retired teacher who is looking for a few days a week supply?Or you have other responsibilities and don’t want to commit
Reference
erjre
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Hampshire PrimaryAuthor
Hampshire PrimarySalary
£130 - 150 per day
Location free text
West Sussex
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£30 per hour and above
Sector
Primary
Location
West Sussex
Description
Are you ready to take control of your teaching career? Are you feeling overwhelmed by the demands of full-time teaching? Do you crave flexibility and freedom in your schedule? It's time to consider t
Reference
aywtyhrnfjSKS
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Hampshire PrimaryAuthor
Hampshire PrimarySalary
£420 - 440 per week
Location free text
Chichester
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Chichester
Description
Are you ready to embark on a rewarding journey as a full-time SEN Teaching Assistant?At Teaching Personnel, we prioritize the individual needs of every student, and we're seeking a dedicated individua
Reference
a[-dkspmofngpam;\z
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Hampshire PrimaryAuthor
Hampshire PrimarySalary
£125 - 145 per day
Location free text
Crawley
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Teacher
Location
West Sussex
Description
Job Description: Primary Teacher Location: South East England, West Sussex, CrawleyJob Type: Permanent, Full-TimeSalary: £110 - £140 Per dayQualifications: QTSCompany Branding: Supply Teacher within
Reference
teacher flexi
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Brighton PrimaryAuthor
Brighton PrimarySalary
£12.90 - 13.50 per hour
Location free text
Crawley
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
West Sussex
Description
Here at Teaching Personnel we are seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated ADHD Specialist Teaching Assistant to join a vibrant primary school in Crawley. This is a full-time position, where you will pla
Reference
ASC/ADHD TA
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Brighton PrimaryAuthor
Brighton PrimaryRelated posts
Teaser
Tips and AdviceContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD04YY
Summary
The teacher recruitment crisis is a priority for school leaders across the country. In the 2021–22 academic year, 4000 teachers retired, and 9% of the teaching workforce resigned, marking the highes
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD03YY
Summary
Planning for the Easter break? The Teaching Personnel payroll team wants to make sure you get paid on time. This table outlines the Easter 2024 payroll date, along with the corresponding deadline
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
Supply TeachingContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD01YY
Summary
Table of Contents 1. Why do people become supply teachers? 2. What does it take to become a supply teacher? 3. How can I find work as a supply teacher? <!-- b--> 4. How shou
by
Alex Schulte
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD01YY
Summary
Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision in schools is a critical aspect of education that demands attention in 2024. According to the Department for Education, over 1.5 million pupils in England
Teaser
Multi-Academy TrustsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD11YY
Summary
Laura Williams is an education leadership coach with fifteen years of leadership experience in education across business, operations, HR, finance and governance. She is a former Business Manager, CO
by
Scott Owen
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD11YY
Summary
Creating a safe and nurturing environment for pupils is paramount in the age of evolving social dynamics. One issue that has gained significant attention in recent years is the distinction between
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD11YY
Summary
Shadow education secretary Bridget Phillipson addressed the Labour Party conference in October, where she announced plans to reform primary maths. Currently, one in four children leave primary school
Teaser
Tips and AdviceContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD10YY
Summary
Mock exams are a crucial milestone in a pupil's academic journey, serving as a practice run for the real deal. As educators, you play a pivotal role in helping pupils navigate through these trial ex
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD09YY
Summary
In the fast-moving world of education, headteachers and schools face the challenge of ensuring a continuous and reliable supply of qualified teachers. Unforeseen teacher absences due to staff sickness
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD09YY
Summary
Embarking on the journey to become an educator is both exhilarating and demanding. The Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is crucial to achieving your teaching ambitions. The road ahead
Register with us
for a choice of classroom roles
Register today
Recent job