OU Reading for Pleasure

What will make the biggest difference to children’s reading for pleasure? 📚

In Part 6 of the Mostly Book Talk podcast series, The Reading Crisis – Why children aren’t reading and what we can do about it, contributors reflect on the challenges facing young readers and the actions that can support positive change.

The episode features Teresa Cremin, sharing research insights and practical ideas to help build richer reading cultures for children and young people.

Enter Now: HarperCollins RfP Awards 2026 📚✨

In partnership with The Open University and UKLA, these awards celebrate schools and educators who place Reading for Pleasure at the heart of their work.

There are five award categories this year to give teachers at all stages of their career and working in all different settings the chance to win. The categories include:

- Early Career Teacher (0- 3 years in teaching)
- Experience Teacher (3 years plus)
- Whole School
- School Reading Champions (e.g. Librarians/other educators)
- Community Reading (immediate and/or wider community, from local areas to local authority)

⏰ Entries close at midnight on Sunday 14 June 2026 — don’t miss your chance to apply!

🔗 https://ourfp.org/2026/03/12/the-harper-collins-reading-for-pleasure-awards-2026/

🏫 From the classroom: real stories, real impact.

Caroline Angus, (LRC Co-ordinator) and Amanda Cain (Literacy Co-ordinator) from Jarrow Secondary School highlight how developing teachers’ knowledge of literature and reader preferences can open-up richer opportunities for recommendation and engagement.

📥 Download the resource here:https://ourfp.org/eop/the-mystery-reader-project-reading-together-for-fun/

Planning your own OU Summer Booknic? ☀️📚

Download our free resources with everything you need to host a book-tastic celebration — including author welcome videos, posters, invitations, book recommendations, fun activities and more.

Perfect for schools, libraries, families and reading communities! ✨

📩 Download your free resources here: https://ourfp.org/2026/04/27/host-an-ou-summer-booknic/

New research explores the impact of Little Wandle CODE on Year 7 pupils who struggle with reading.

OU RfP researchers Sarah Critten and Teresa Cremin examined the 30-week phonics and Reading for Pleasure intervention, uncovering positive changes in pupils’ reading self-efficacy, confidence, reading identity, and increased digital reading frequency.

The report highlights the powerful role that targeted support and Reading for Pleasure can play in helping young readers reconnect with reading.

Read the report here:https://cdn.ourfp.org/wp-content/uploads/20260507104930/Little-Wandle-CODE_Project-Report-on-Reading-for-Pleasure.pdf

🔎 May Research Spotlight: 'Developing Teachers’ Pedagogic Content Knowledge

Research by Helen Hendry, Teresa Cremin and Anna Harrison highlights important gaps in student teachers’ understanding of Reading for Pleasure practice and children’s literature — regardless of whether they regularly read themselves.

The study also offers practical ways forward to better support teachers in building reading-rich classrooms.

Available here: https://ourfp.org/publications/research-spotlight-archive/

📣 Have your Say! Teachers’ Reading Challenge CPD Survey

The Teachers’ Reading Challenge returns on 17 June 📚.

Delivered by The Reading Agency in partnership with The Open University and supported by HarperCollins, the Challenge supports teachers, librarians and education staff to expand and diversify their knowledge of contemporary children’s books.

As part of our planning, we’d love to hear which CPD topics would be most valuable to you.

Complete the short survey here: https://ow.ly/HAyl50Z1apl

NEW! Monthly Blog Series

Introducing — a monthly blog series from the OU RfP team and members of our doctoral community, exploring current research and thinking around volitional reading.

Our first blog comes from Teresa Cremin, exploring the power of book blether and how child-led conversations about books can help nurture reading enjoyment, confidence and connection.

Read the blog here:

⏰ Application deadline - Monday 25th May!

If you’re organised, proactive and interested in supporting meaningful work around Reading for Pleasure, we’d love to hear from you.

Find out more and apply here: https://ow.ly/rAFU50Z13Vs

Newsletter Live! Information Texts — recording now available!

Over 80 members of the Reading for Pleasure community joined our latest Newsletter Live! session featuring authors Kate Winter and Isabel Thomas, alongside fantastic examples of practice and top text recommendations. 📚✨

If you couldn’t join us live, you can catch-up with the full recording and take away plenty of inspiration for your classroom, library, or reading community.

Watch here: https://ourfp.org/2026/05/11/ou-rfp-newsletter-live-may-2026/