Evidence and Theory

A collection of articles, websites, blogs and research pieces about reading for pleasure, writing for pleasure and teaching, which you may find useful!

Some book suggestions about children’s reading:

Reflections and Refractions of Meaning: Dialogic Approaches to Reading with Classroom Drama by Edmiston and Enciso

Stonewall’s list of LGBT+ books for primary schools

A list of picture books that celebrate LGBT families by BookTrust

A list of teen and YA books with LGBT characters by BookTrust

Why Writing Matters by Michael Rosen

Diversity within the library profession by Nick Poole – a copy of Nick’s rousing speech about the role of libraries in our society

The Open University’s Reading for Pleasure website, with lots of high-quality examples and resources written by teachers

Mirrors, Windows and Sliding Glass Doors by Dr. Rudine Sims Bishops – an inspiring article about the role of books in children’s lives

What We Know Works series by CLPE – a concise series of booklets about poetry, reading for pleasure and writing in the classroom

Free Writing Friday: Cressida Cowell’s top writing tips for primary pupils

Maz Evans’ hilarious and moving Chicken House Big Breakfast 2019 Speech about the role of authors in society

The Impact of Reading for Pleasure and Empowerment by The Reading Agency

Matthew Tobin’s excellent padlet High Quality Picture Books for Cross-Curricular Planning

Skim reading is the new normal. The effect on society is profound by Maryanne Wolf

For teachers: how to assess and analyse ways in which pupils respond to stories, poems and plays by Michael Rosen

Headteacher Simon Smith’s blog, with lots of lovely picture book recommendations

Aiden Severs’ excellent, research-based blog That Boy Can Teach

Why fairy tales are horror stories we need to be more wary of in schools by Caroline Ash

Graham Andre’s high-quality padlet, which focuses on gender equality resources

Alex Quigley’s excellent blog The Confident Teacher

Website for #WomenEd, a grassroots moment which connects existing and aspiring leaders in education and aims to tackle gender inequality across all sectors of education

Website for #BAMEed, which is a movement initiated in response to the continual call for intersectionality and diversity in the education sector

Website for LGBTed, which is a network of LGBT+ teachers and leaders