5 Ways to Create a Social Reading Environment

The Teachers as Readers research by Teresa Cremin suggests that social reading environments were seen to be the key to creating richly reciprocal reading communities. Here are 5 ways that you can create social reading environments in your classroom. If you'd like to find out more about social reading take a look here.

1. Develop book corners for reading

If possible, create a comfortable, welcoming area for reading in your classroom and in your school. Find opportunities for pupils to use these areas, for example, if they have social reading time or if you can timetable these. 

2. Access to Reading Materials

Try to keep reading materials interesting and varied. If you have a partner year group teacher, see if you can borrow some of their books. Or consider running a book swap. 

Some schools also create book wishlists for December or the end of the year or ask for PTA funding. 

Even if you have no funding available, ask children to donate any unwanted books, magazines or comics. 

It is also worth keeping an eye on social media. Some authors also run giveaways on platforms like X, BlueSky and Instagram for schools. Some also run live and free events on these platforms. 

3. Develop story boxes related to texts

   
   

Ask pupils for any old shoeboxes and possibly as part of a Design and Technology project, encourage children to create story book boxes that can be displayed in reading areas. These could also be around themes rather than about a specific book. This could also be a holiday project for pupils. 

4. Create opportunities in lessons

   
   

Prioritise finding time for pupils to go and find a comfortable place in the classroom or library to read together with a friend. Keeping it informal is key, so if there are comfortable chairs or bean bags all the better. By prioritising this, you might find that children take themselves to these areas, when they have the opportunity. 

5. Involve the wider reading community

Consider joining virtual author events, for example, the BookTrust runs these semi-regularly or social media live events for schools. Or if this is not a possibility, invite parents or volunteers in to share what they love to read 

Final Thoughts

There are a variety of ways to create a social reading environment in schools. At Pageticker we are committed to building a community app to support teachers and parents. Sign up here to get exclusive access to news, discounts and much more.