Jon Biddle & reviews

Jon Biddle, English lead and NEU rep at Moorlands Primary in Norfolk, is passionate about fostering a love of reading for pleasure. Here he shares ideas and tips for schools to try.

We are the champions, my friend

CREATING a whole-school reading culture requires widespread support and isn’t something that an English lead (or reading lead) can achieve on their own.

With supportive staff and parents, the job feels manageable, but when ownership and responsibility is shared with the children, it becomes a pleasure. Over the past couple of years at Moorlands we’ve introduced a team of reading champions, made up of year 6 pupils whose objective is to help develop Reading for Pleasure across the school.

The original idea was for them to promote the annual summer reading challenge, which they did superbly, ensuring that we had our highest ever number of pupils take part. Because they were so passionate about reading and sharing their love for it, we then explored ways for the role to be expanded.

Specialist subject: graphic novels

We now have a team of eight champions from year 6, and eight who shadow them from year 5. We selected them for a variety of reasons: the majority because they already loved reading; some because they didn’t love reading; some because they were ‘specialists’ in a certain area such as graphic novels; and some because we believed it would really help their self-confidence.

There’s a reading champions meeting held every few weeks to discuss ways to promote Reading for Pleasure, which is also open to any interested staff. We’ll sometimes talk about how to roll out ideas that have been successfully introduced in some classes, such as the pupil recommendations shelf and poem of the day.

They’re also keen to share their own ideas. Several have been wonderful, such as putting reading blankets out on the field during the summer and becoming reading buddies with children in reception. Some were perhaps slightly less practical (although I love the idea of unlimited bacon rolls for library helpers).

They’ve already organised and led reading assemblies this year. In the most

Read more ideas from Jon next issue

recent one they put together a very convincing case about why graphic novels should be in every classroom.

They have full responsibility for one of our corridor display boards. It changes regularly, and includes information about new books, a list of current class reads, reading recommendations, news about book awards and a ‘help’ area where pupils can ask for suggestions of books they might enjoy.

Sharing their love with younger pupils

Some of our reading champions visit classes in early years and key stage 1 to read picture books and poems with them. The thought and care that they put into their choices never fails to impress me, and it’s lovely to hear them practising their reading aloud in the classroom at lunchtime before they read to the pupils.

The fact that the children have increasing ownership over the direction of reading in their school is something they’re very proud of, and I’m continually surprised by how innovative and creative their ideas are. As well as promoting reading, the idea has created friendships and given certain children a wider sense of purpose in the school. Although I still have an overview of the work they do, it’s exciting to have reached the point where it’s almost self-sustaining.

Update: Since writing the first draft of this piece, some of the pupils have suggested creating a display in the library featuring books to help reassure children worried about the war between Russia and Ukraine. I couldn’t be prouder.

(Left) Reading champions sharing some of their favourite books (Below) Summer reading challenge poster

Let us know if you’d like to review them – email us at educate@neu.org.uk

Kool Covid Kids: Their Place in History

THE Covid-19 pandemic brought the whole world to a shocking standstill and changed lives.

This fascinating book explores how it became a time for empowerment and hope for a group of 11- to 13-year-old girls. Known as the Girls Gang from Whitehaven, Cumbria, they recorded their journey, achievements and personal challenges during 2020.

Within the pages are photos, poems, drawings, motivational quotes and reflections from the Girls Gang and people around the world. Some parts of the book are deeply moving and a reminder that love, friendship and family are the most important aspects in life. An inspirational and emotional read. Cindy Shanks Kool Covid Kids: Their Place in History, by Chris Hillman and Suzanne Wilson. Freddie Publishing. £12.99. n To buy the book visit koolcovidkids.org where, for every book purchased, £6 will be donated to a post-Covid school project. WIN! n We have one free copy of Kool Covid a copy of Kids to give away. Email your name, address and membership number to Kool Covid educate@neu.org.uk with Kool Covid

Kids Kids in the subject line, and one lucky winner will be picked at random.

100 Ideas for Primary Teachers

A BREATH of fresh air for the classroom teacher and special educational needs and disabilities co-ordinator alike, 100 Ideas for Primary Teachers: Sensory Processing Differences is an easyto-follow book full of practical ideas which anyone can apply in their classroom.

If you don’t fancy a deep, in-depth bedtime read, this book can be accessed in small chunks. Sensory processing difficulties may not be the simplest thing to understand, but I now feel like a mini expert after implementing its advice. I feel like I can refer back to it as well as continue to learn.

A nice bonus is the Twitter community that #100ideas provides where you can see others implementing the advice in real time. If the book wasn’t enough, the community around it is such a boost to the confidence.

Samantha Hickling 100 Ideas for Primary Teachers: Sensory Processing Differences by Kim Griffiths. Bloomsbury. £14.99.

Sky Gazing

THIS book is packed full of facts, information and activities linked to all aspects of the sky above us. Whether you want to find out about the moon, sun, planets, stars, eclipses or constellations, this is a comprehensive guide.

Laid out as a standard, non-fiction text with contents, index, appendix and glossary, this book is ideal for children aged nine to 14 who are curious to study the night (and day) sky.

Additions such as myths and legends around the stars, a calendar of special events, and tips for using binoculars, all add to the depth of information.

Sian Sparrow Sky Gazing by Meg Thacher. Storey Publishing. £15.99.

Macbeth retold

SHAKESPEARE’S Macbeth is retold in story form for key stage 2 readers, as part of the Bloomsbury Readers series. The engrossing tale is accessibly broken up into chapters and with engaging illustrations. Full teaching notes and additional support are available online.

Aliss Langridge Macbeth by William Shakespeare, retold by Tony Bradman. Bloomsbury. £5.99.

Succeeding as an English Teacher

WRITTEN by 12 experienced, enthusiastic English teachers, this is a comprehensive, accessible guide offering an overview of an English teacher’s career. It offers practical guidance on planning and delivering engaging lessons; advancing your subject knowledge; teaching at different career stages; and applying research. It combines case studies, advice and opportunities for reflection to take your teaching to the next level.

Aliss Langridge Succeeding as an English Teacher by Abigail Mann et al. Bloomsbury. £14.99.