Return of the Teachers’ Reading Challenge

After a hugely successful inaugural year that saw over 2,400 people take part, The Teachers’ Reading Challenge runs again from Saturday 10 July.

The Challenge, which is delivered by The Open University’s Reading for Pleasure project (based in the WELS School of Education, Childhood, Youth and Sport) in partnership with The Reading Agency, encourages school and library staff to expand their knowledge of children’s books and develop their understanding of reading for pleasure pedagogy. The Challenge open to anyone who is a Reader Teacher, including all education professionals, public and school library staff, and trainee teachers.

Research by Professor of Literacy, Teresa Cremin, found that reading aloud, independent reading time, book talk and sharing recommendations in a highly social reading environment can help to positively influence children’s attitudes and attainment. School and library staff play an invaluable role in influencing children’s reading journeys and the Teachers’ Reading Challenge will run alongside The Reading Agency’s popular Summer Reading Challenge, encouraging teaching staff and librarians to take the Challenge alongside the children.

“Teachers’ knowledge of children’s texts is the cornerstone of developing reading for pleasure in schools”, says Professor Cremin. “Our research indicates it is a key professional responsibility, which, when combined with tailored pedagogy, effectively supports young readers. Our pilot Teachers Reading Challenge in 2020 surpassed all expectations, so our hopes are high for 2021!”

Reading and Recuperation

To celebrate the launch of this year’s Teachers’ Reading Challenge, a virtual launch event will take place on Tuesday 6 July from 19:00-20:00.  A panel of educators, librarians, academic and authors, including Professor Cremin, will talk about the impact of taking part in the Challenge and the importance of children reading for pleasure.

Take part

Reader Teachers can sign up to the Teachers’ Reading Challenge ahead of the launch.

To attend the virtual launch event on 6 July, register for a free ticket on Eventbrite.