Jo Bowers and Dr Susan Davis, senior lecturers in primary education at Cardiff Metropolitan University, took to The Guardian to explain and examine their research into bibliotherapy and the benefits of having teachers as reading role models.
As lecturers in initial teacher training on a PGCE primary programme, we believe that this habit should be developed as an integral part of teacher training. Teachers who read themselves and share their love of books in the primary classroom can, in turn, encourage children to read more.
Creating a culture of reading should be on all school’ list of priorities and to do this, teachers should have access to new and varied children’s literature. Sitting down with a good book is a pleasure, with gains to be made in all aspects of literacy alongside teacher and pupil wellbeing.
You can read the full Guardian article and hear more about the research at an upcoming UKLA Conference.