Reading for Pleasure Conference

The Hub, along with the Myland English Hub, brought together teachers from all over the region to explore best practice and techniques to empower young people to read because they want to, not because they have to as part of school.

Professor Teresa Cremin, a Professor of Education at the Open University, gave a compelling and passionate presentation on motivating all children to read for pleasure and how it makes a difference.

She said: “The goal is that children are choosing to read in their own time and supporting them by allowing them to read texts which are exciting for them. Reading needs to be directed by the child so that they can own their reading space.

“By being a frequent reader, children will benefit from enhanced comprehension, richer narrative writing, better vocabulary and understanding, as well as enriching their psychological wellbeing. Reading also connects people and helps build relationships with others.”

Throughout the conference, teachers took part in workshops to learn about techniques and practices which can be used to motivate children to read.

Professor Cremin added: “It’s a collective responsibility to raise our readers. The goal is to develop a habit of reading in children because they want to and love to.”