The National Year of Reading 2026 is a UK-wide campaign designed to inspire more people to make reading a regular part of their lives. Using the slogan, ‘Go All In’, (goallin.org.uk) the organisers hope to encourage us to read all about whatever captures our interest. ‘Whatever you’re into, read into it!’
As described by The Literacy Trust (literacytrust.org.uk), ‘Reading is not just a skill, it is a doorway to confidence, curiosity and connection. When children read for pleasure, they thrive: their literacy improves, their learning across subjects strengthens and their wellbeing blossoms. But how do we spark that joy? One of the most powerful, and most simple, ways is through informal book talk.’
During our school library sessions, the children listen to a story read by our librarian; they browse the wide range of fiction and non-fiction books available and then have time to settle down to read quietly, share a book with a friend or talk about what they have discovered.
‘Book talk turns reading into something social and meaningful. It is those everyday conversations where children share what made them laugh, what left them wondering or what they would recommend to a friend.’ (literacytrust.org.uk).
At home, our children increasingly turn to digital devices for entertainment and communication, building skills for the future. However, nothing beats the joy of getting lost in a good book.