Reading for Pleasure refers to children choosing to read because they want to, not because they are required to. It is driven by enjoyment, curiosity and personal interest. In primary schools, Reading for Pleasure is a key part of developing confident, motivated and lifelong readers.
Why Reading for Pleasure Matters
Research consistently shows that children who read for pleasure experience wide-ranging benefits:
- Improved attainment across reading, writing and wider curriculum areas
- Enhanced vocabulary and language development
- Greater empathy and emotional understanding
- Stronger wellbeing, including reduced stress and increased resilience
- Long-term academic advantages, often greater than socio-economic factors
Reading for pleasure is one of the most powerful contributors to a child’s success in school and beyond.
What does Reading for Pleasure Look Like at Ewyas Harold Primary School?
- Daily read‑alouds led by teachers
- Rich, diverse book collections in classrooms and libraries
- Time for independent reading where children choose their own texts
- Book talk and recommendations between children and adults
- Reading communities that involve families, staff and pupils
- Events and celebrations such as Big Read sessions, author visits and book fairs
- Opportunities to explore different text types including comics, magazines, poetry and digital texts
The emphasis is always on choice, enjoyment and positive reading identities.
The Role of Adults
Adults play a crucial role in nurturing reading for pleasure:
- Modelling enthusiasm for books
- Sharing stories and talking about reading experiences
- Helping children discover new authors and genres
- Creating relaxed, pressure‑free reading environments
- Valuing all reading, including re-reading favourites or choosing shorter texts
When children see adults enjoying reading, they are far more likely to develop the same habit.
Building our Reading Culture
A strong reading culture is created when:
- Reading is visible and celebrated across the school
- Children feel ownership over their reading choices
- Families are welcomed into reading experiences
- Staff share books they love
- Reading is woven into the school’s identity, not just English lessons
Events like monthly Big Read sessions strengthen this culture by bringing families into the heart of reading.
Big Read
The Big Read at Ewyas Harold takes place on the first Thursday of every month and invites parents and carers into school for a relaxed, half‑hour shared reading session with their child. As part of our commitment to Reading for Pleasure, the Big Read creates warm, positive reading experiences where families join children in their classrooms, choose a book together and enjoy uninterrupted story time. With no tasks or expectations, the focus is simply on enjoying a book, building reading confidence and strengthening our whole‑school reading culture. Families are encouraged to look out for monthly reminders, arrive a few minutes early to sign in and bring a favourite book if they wish, helping us continue to nurture a joyful, inclusive community of readers at Ewyas Harold.
How to Promote a Love of Reading at Home
Make reading feel cosy and positive with comfy spaces, blankets or a bedtime routine
Let your child choose what they read—comics, magazines, picture books, graphic novels, anything
Read aloud regularly, even if they can read independently
Talk naturally about books without quizzing or testing
Let your child see you reading so they know it’s something people enjoy
Keep books visible around the home to make reading easy and spontaneous
Visit the library to explore new books and build excitement
Celebrate reading moments rather than measuring progress
Link reading to your child’s interests—football, animals, crafts, gaming, nature
Make reading part of everyday life: in the car, before bed, during quiet moments
Take a visit to Basket | The Children’s Bookshelf in Hereford near McDonalds – they have superb knowledge and will be able to direct you to the perfect book for your child!
Sell Your Books, CDs, DVD’s and Games for Cash! – WeBuyBooks.co.uk – a fantastic website to sell books once you have finished with them!