National Year of Reading 2026: Teaching resources to build a reading culture

Do you remember the first book you ever loved?

Every reader starts somewhere—and sometimes they need a little encouragement. This year, we’re proud to partner with the National Year of Reading to help children discover the joy of reading.

Whether you're preparing for placement, after resources for education and early childhood students, or leading classrooms, these 12 extracts offer practical, tried‑and‑tested advice to build confidence in nurturing young readers.

Explore, download, and inspire a love of reading.

The components of powerful reading practice

4 ways to promote reading for pleasure

The importance of being a reading teacher

Tips for story time (and why it matters)

A quick way to tell if a book is too advanced

How to choose the perfect story

Tips for reading aloud

3 ways to discover new children's books

Working with families to support readers

Checklist for building your reading corner

Reading comprehension checklist

Encourage independent reading in dyslexic pupils

What are the benefits of reading for pleasure?

Research shows that choosing to read in their own time helps children across a range of social and academic areas, including:

Improving vocabulary, language development, spelling and maths skills
Building general knowledge, confidence and understanding of our world
Boosting social and emotional wellbeing
Understanding and expressing their own emotions
Reducing prejudice and stereotyping

This is an adapted extract from Understanding and Teaching Primary English, second edition, by James Clements & Mathew Tobin.

Why is the National Year of Reading campaign happening now?

Reading for pleasure is in decline, despite the many joys and benefits it brings. With that in mind, the Department for Education and National Literacy Trust, created the National Year of Reading 2026: a year of activities to help people (re)discover their love of reading.

As one of the UK's leading Education book publishers, we've got your back with free resources from our books to brush up your knowledge and help you nurture the next generation of book lovers.

Looking for more teacher training or practice support?

Check out our free survival toolkit for trainee and early career teachers, with advice on everything from starting out, assessments, and behaviour, to inclusive teaching practice, subject knowledge, and lesson planning.