Improving children’s reading and writing: Connecting research and practice

This series of short professional learning sessions will provide research insights to optimally support children’s reading and writing acquisition and development., and nurture readers and writers. With a focus on supporting both the skill and the will in reading and writing, all those attending will have greater access and insight into contemporary research to support their classroom practice.

A free webinar will be delivered online on Tuesday 14 April 2026 between 16:00pm-17:00pm entitled Supporting reading for pleasure in primary schools: Examining the evidence and children's perspectives.

There will be four subsequent paid online sessions focusing on children's reading and writing which will take place between April and June delivered online from 16:00pm - 17:00pm. These sessions are designed for UK primary school teachers, primary school leaders, literacy leads and education consultants.

In each, participants will gain insight into contemporary research and its implications for practice, a curated collection of open access research articles and, if all four sessions are attended, a certificate of completion.

Sessions can be booked individually for £15 each or all four sessions can be booked at a discounted price of £50. 

Free webinar: 

Supporting reading for pleasure in primary schools: Examining the evidence and children's perspectives - Tuesday 14 April, 16:00- 17:00pm

Delivered by Professor Sarah McGeown

Supporting children to reading for pleasure is a key priority in this National Year of Reading, but which ‘reading for pleasure’ practices work?  This session will explore common practices, from independent reading and teacher read-aloud, to book-talk, reading diaries, annual celebrations, and the use of rewards.  It will examine the research evidence, and children’s perspectives of these practices, to provide teachers with useful insights to support their classroom practice. 

Four paid online sessions:

Session 1: Learning to read - Thursday 30 April 2026, 16:00-17:00pm

Delivered by Professor Sarah McGeown

This session highlights the core skills underpinning reading development, research-informed practice to support children’s word reading, and the importance of nurturing an early love and interest in books, words, and stories. 

Session 2: Reading motivation and engagement - Thursday 14 May 2026, 16:00-17:00pm

Delivered by Professor Sarah McGeown

This session provides insight into the importance of reading motivation and engagement throughout primary school, research-informed principles to support reading engagement, and the reading, language, social and emotional benefits accrued from reading.

Session 3: Learning to write - Monday 1 June 2026, 16:00-17:00pm

Delivered by Ross Young

This session explores key aspects of writing development, research-informed strategies to support children as apprentice writers, and the importance of nurturing a lifelong love of writing.

Session 4: Writing motivation and engagement - Monday 22 June 2026, 16:00-17:00pm

Delivered by Ross Young

This session provides insight into the importance of writing motivation and engagement throughout primary school, research-informed principles to support children’s engagement with writing, and the social, emotional, and expressive benefits gained through the experience of being a young writer.

These sessions are designed for UK primary school teachers, primary school leaders, literacy leads and education consultants.

There is no entry criteria, however, these sessions are designed for UK primary school teachers, primary school leaders, literacy leads and education consultants.