How the National Year of Reading 2026 Can Kickstart Reading Habits at School and Home This Term
The countdown to the National Year of Reading 2026 has already begun, bringing a powerful opportunity for schools, teachers, and families to reignite the joy of reading in children’s lives. As the new term approaches, there’s never been a better time to focus on creating lasting reading habits both in the classroom and at home.
With reading enjoyment at historically low levels—only one in three children say they enjoy reading—this national campaign is not just a celebration; it’s a call to action. Literacy is the foundation for lifelong learning, wellbeing, and future success.
Why the National Year of Reading 2026 Matters
Reading is more than a skill; it’s a gateway to empathy, knowledge, and confidence. However, recent studies reveal a worrying decline in children’s reading for pleasure — a social justice issue that impacts wellbeing and achievement.
The National Year of Reading 2026 aims to reverse this trend with a bold, nationwide push to put books and stories back at the heart of children’s lives. Teachers and parents have crucial roles to play, and early engagement this term can make all the difference.
Boosting Reading in the Classroom
The classroom is where many children experience the joy of reading for the first time. Simple, consistent strategies can build excitement and foster a reading culture that lasts. When classrooms become spaces where reading is enjoyable, children are more likely to choose books independently.
Literature Circles: Small groups reading the same book encourage discussion, critical thinking, and social bonding.
Reading Corners: Create inviting, cosy spaces filled with diverse books where students can retreat and immerse themselves.
Genre Spotlights: Rotate themes like fantasy, mystery, or non-fiction to expose students to different styles and topics.
Shared Reading: Read-aloud sessions build listening skills and create community around stories.
Encouraging Reading at Home
Parents can be powerful reading role models. By making reading a shared, enjoyable activity, families can reinforce the love of reading beyond school walls. This term, encourage families to:
Diverse Formats: Include audiobooks, comics, graphic novels, and podcasts to cater to all interests and abilities.
Library Visits: Promote regular trips to local libraries as fun family outings and resource hubs.
Reading Together: Even a few minutes of shared reading can deepen connections and model a love of books.
Celebrate Small Wins: Praise children’s reading efforts to build confidence and motivation.
How Pageticker Supports Reading Success
At Pageticker, we understand the challenges teachers face balancing reading engagement with tracking and reporting demands. Our digital reading diary simplifies record-keeping, freeing up valuable time to focus on what matters most—nurturing children’s love of reading.
With Pageticker, teachers can effortlessly monitor reading progress, encourage reading for pleasure, and communicate seamlessly with parents. It’s a practical solution that supports the goals of the National Year of Reading 2026 by making reading visible, celebrated, and manageable both in school and at home.
