Strategies to engage students as readers

Strategies to create readers.

Explore a range of strategies you can use in the school library, classroom or across the curriculum to encourage and support students to read for pleasure.

Contents

Simple version of Teachers Creating Readers Framework. It shows 3 coloured petals coming out from 'Teachers creating readers'. The 3 petals list 3 key, interconnected ways teachers can create readers.

Teachers Creating Readers Framework and examples of practice

Teachers create readers by being reading role models and knowing strategies that inspire and support reading for pleasure. Explore our Teachers Creating Readers Framework and examples of practice. Use our booklet, posters or tool for inspiration and ideas.
A teacher reading with his class

Reading aloud

Reading aloud to children and teenagers is enjoyable and stimulates interest, imagination and a love of reading. Finding and choosing a ‘read-aloud’ that you and your students will enjoy is crucial. Explore our other tips and resources.
Photo showing a school student's hand selecting a book in a school library.

Independent reading

Giving students time to read a book of their choice during the school day, for pleasure, is one of the most effective ways to build a reading habit.
Children holding out their hands to select a book from a bookshelf.

Helping students choose books to read for pleasure

Library staff and teachers create engaged readers by helping students understand their reading interests and how to find a ‘just right’ book. Find tips to help students know what they like to read, and how to browse and select books to read for pleasure.
Small dog wearing glasses looking like a reluctant reader. He is resting his head and front paws on an open book.

Reluctant readers

Explore strategies to help reluctant readers become engaged readers — readers who want to read for the sheer joy of it.
A teen reading

Engaging teens with reading

Teenagers' lives are increasingly digital. Reading for pleasure, especially long-form reading, competes with the compelling lure of social media, games and schoolwork for teen's time. Find inspiration and strategies to encourage teens to read for pleasure.
2 tweens enjoying sharing a book

Tween readers — keeping them motivated

Keeping children reading during the tween years, from around ages 9 to 12, can be a challenge. Knowing their interests and providing a range of reading material will help keep their enjoyment of reading alive.
Students sitting beside each other and reading books.

Social reading and book clubs

Book clubs are a great way to engage students with reading and help build a reading culture at your school. Explore options for setting up and running a book club. Find ideas for discussions and activities your book club will enjoy.
Reading engagement
Strategies to engage students as readers