The Power of Reading with children

‘I opened a book and in I strode,

And now noone can find me’ – Julia Donaldson.

Those of us who are parents know that reading to our toddlers at bedtime is a routine that, at times, we might not relish, but still do because it is hugely valuable for them. Fostering a love in books and an awareness of words, as well as being a comfortable and cosy time when parent and child can bond.

But in our classrooms, the day can be packed so full with all the demands of the curriculum that the ‘end of the day story’ can be neglected and pushed out.

Reading aloud to children is the one priority that I tried to maintain every day if at all possible. One Headteacher of mine years ago demanded that if we did nothing else with our classes, we should build in 15 minutes of story and it stuck with me. One of my favourite intiatives was also ERIC – Everyone Reading In Class and when that sign went on the door, we all read – including me! I felt this was far more impactful than sitting and listening to readers.

In July 2025, the Education Secretary announced that 2026 would be The National Year of Reading as an initiative to address the steep decline in reading amongst children, young people and adults. The campaign is in collaboration with the National Literacy Trust.

The National Literacy Trust’s latest research
shows both children and young people’s reading
enjoyment and daily reading frequency have fallen to their lowest levels since the charity began tracking them twenty years ago.
Yet, when children enjoy reading, their reading
skills, aptitude for learning, wellbeing, empathy
and confidence benefit – all of which can help
them succeed in school and beyond.
By meeting children and young people
where they are we can help reignite a love
of reading.

There are a number of excellent organisations which work to promote a love of books and reading and campaigns which can inspire your schools. There has also been some insightful articles written (such as the Teresa Cremin one) about how we can promote reading.

DM Crosby was a deputy headteacher at a primary school in Nottinghamshire and cites these 5 essentials to encourage readers.