Creating a strong reading culture in schools isn’t about quick fixes or one-off initiatives, it’s about embedding reading into the fabric of everyday school life.
In our recent webinar, Reading for life: Building a strong reading culture in your school, literacy expert Adam Lancaster shared invaluable insights on how to create a reading culture that is sustainable, meaningful, and impactful.
From understanding your school’s context to empowering teachers and engaging students, here are the key takeaways and practical strategies that will help transform reading in your school.
The foundation of a reading culture
A successful reading culture starts with understanding your school’s unique context. What are the reading habits of your students? What barriers do they face? What’s already working well?
Adam emphasised that no school is starting from zero - there are already elements of reading embedded in the curriculum. The challenge is to connect the dots and create a cohesive approach.
Best practices:
- Conduct a reading audit: Identify what reading is already happening in different subjects and where there are gaps.
- Use data to inform your approach: Assess literacy levels, engagement with reading, and existing interventions.
- Align strategies with your school’s needs: Tailor initiatives based on student demographics and staff expertise.
Reading across the curriculum
Reading shouldn’t be confined to English lessons. Every subject involves reading in some form, whether it’s decoding scientific texts, analysing historical sources, or understanding maths problems. Adam stressed that all teachers, not just English teachers, should see themselves as experts in reading within their subject areas.
Best Practices:
- Provide subject-specific reading strategies: Help teachers integrate effective reading techniques into their lessons.
- Foster cross-department collaboration: Encourage departments to share how they use reading in their subjects.
- Make reading visible: Display subject-related reading materials and encourage discussion around them.
Developing reading skills for all learners
A strong reading culture means ensuring that every student, regardless of ability, has the skills and support to engage with reading. This requires both classroom strategies and targeted interventions for those who need extra support.
Best Practices:
- Identify struggling readers early: Use assessments to pinpoint students who need additional help.
- Implement tiered interventions: Offer structured reading programmes, guided reading sessions, and phonics support where needed.
- Encourage fluency and comprehension: Help students develop deeper reading skills by focusing on both decoding and understanding texts.
Creating a love for reading
One of the biggest challenges schools face is declining reading engagement, particularly among older students. Adam highlighted the importance of making reading enjoyable and relevant to students’ lives.
Best Practices:
- Offer diverse reading materials: Include a range of genres, formats, and culturally relevant books.
- Leverage technology: Use audiobooks, digital reading platforms, and AI-powered tools to engage reluctant readers.
- Make reading social: Set up book clubs, reading challenges, and peer recommendations to create a buzz around reading.
Empower staff for long-term success
Building a reading culture isn’t a one-person job, it requires buy-in from all staff. Adam emphasised the role of leadership in embedding reading into school culture and empowering teachers to take ownership of literacy within their subjects.
Best Practices:
- Provide CPD opportunities: Train teachers in literacy strategies specific to their subject areas.
- Recognise and celebrate good practice: Share success stories and highlight innovative reading strategies in staff meetings.
- Involve staff in decision-making: Encourage teachers to contribute to the school’s literacy strategy and suggest new initiatives.
Engage parents and the wider school community
Reading cultures thrive when they extend beyond the classroom. Parents, carers, and the wider school community all have a role to play in fostering a love of reading.
Best Practices:
- Share reading tips with parents: Provide resources and strategies to help them support reading at home.
- Host reading events: Organise storytelling sessions, author visits, and reading workshops for families.
- Celebrate reading success: Use newsletters, social media, and school events to showcase reading achievements.
Make reading a whole-school priority
A strong reading culture isn’t built overnight, but by embedding reading into every aspect of school life, schools can create an environment where reading is valued, celebrated, and accessible for all students.
If you’re looking for more insights and practical strategies, take a look at the full webinar recording. Adam Lancaster’s expertise and passion for literacy offer a wealth of knowledge that can help schools take meaningful steps towards transforming reading engagement.
📢 Watch the full webinar and start building a thriving reading culture in your school today!