Fostering independent readers and creative writers through a non-digital offer

What’s the idea? In working to foster the imaginations of young readers and writers, primary teachers can seek to motivate children’s engagement in non-digital spaces at home, as well as in online lessons. Through such an offer, educators can support the development of childhood literacy habits and impact on positive reader and writer identities. What does the research say? Being a frequent reader is fundamental; it proffers more of an advantage than having well-educated parents (Sullivan and Brown, 2015). Developing the habit of reading in childhood is one of the most important things that teachers can do to leverage social change. The benefits of being a reader, such as enhanced vocabulary, comprehension and general knowledge, are well documented. And there are social, emotional and relational benefits of being part of a community of engaged readers (Cremin, 2019). While there is no parallel evidence for a link between writing frequently for pleasure and attainment, researc