We asked a group of teachers and librarians how they promote wider reading of novels in their schools. This is what they told us.

English subject leaders promote wider reading of novels by:

  • Reading themselves – being role models and keeping abreast of new fiction for pupils of different ages
  • fostering strong links with the school library/librarian
  • maintaining a calendar of literary events
  • giving book tokens/books as rewards or prizes
  • providing ideas for parents to promote reading at home.

School librarians promote wider reading of novels by:

  • Taking the library into other areas of the school – science labs, assemblies, etc
  • making the library a welcoming place – perhaps even extending it outdoors when the weather permits
  • engaging with pupils as readers and getting to know their preferences, using data to find out what pupils are reading and then acting on the information
  • providing attractive and eye-catching displays and book recommendations
  • keeping up to date with the best new fiction for children of different ages.

Senior leaders promote wider reading of novels by:

  • Making it a whole school priority
  • ensuring that all teachers promote reading in their subject areas, e.g. historical novels in history
  • raising the profile of the library/librarian
  • reading themselves – being a role model – keeping and publishing a reading blog
  • creating a reading-friendly environment.

Teachers promote wider reading of novels by:

  • Reading themselves – being a role model
  • dropping reading hints - leaving books on desks, talking about books and displaying books in the classroom
  • engaging with pupils as readers and getting to know their preferences
  • referring to whole books/literary fiction rather than just chunks in textbooks, e.g. historical novels in history
  • displaying posters – ‘If you like science, you’ll love…‘ with a list of recommended literary fiction.

Former Children’s Laureate Michael Rosen has put together a '20 point plan' with plenty of useful ideas on how teachers and schools can encourage children to read more widely.