Across the globe, educators are raising the alarm: reading for pleasure is in steep decline—not only among young people but adults as well. Studies reveal that fewer students are choosing to read in their free time, with concerning long-term implications for learning, wellbeing, and literacy outcomes. In fact, the UK has gone so far as to declare 2026 the “Year of Reading” in an effort to reignite the joy of books for children. I’d love for Australia to adopt the same theme!
For schools the challenge is clear: how can we make reading not just a requirement, but a source of enjoyment and curiosity? The good news is that teachers don’t need to overhaul their programs or add to their already busy schedules. Small, intentional shifts can transform the reading culture in classrooms, schools and boarding houses alike.
Practical Ways to Build a Culture of Reading
- Model a Love of Reading
Students look to teachers for inspiration. Share who you are as a reader—what books you love, what you’re currently reading, and why it excites you. Something as simple as displaying a book on your desk or weaving a story you’ve read into a classroom discussion shows students that reading is valued. This provides an additional pathway to engage meaningfully with our students.
- Leverage What’s Popular
Pop culture can be a powerful hook. Whether it’s the latest YA release, books connected to sports, or biographies of artists like Taylor Swift, using students’ existing interests helps bridge the gap between reluctance and enthusiasm. Leverage the recent winners of Book Week to showcase the value of award-winning books. This year’s theme ‘Book an Adventure’ is the perfect opportunity to use books to introduce new places, meet fascinating characters, and open their minds to endless possibilities. This theme offers appeal to our older students too.
- Match interests to books
School and local librarians are invaluable partners in connecting students with the right books. This may take a little work, however matching texts to individual interests—be it sport, animals, or the mysterious —ensures every student can find something that resonates. I’d encourage teachers to follow lots of authors on Instagram or social media. Many authors now share resources online; a quick visit to their websites or social media often uncovers free materials tailored for schools.
- Read Aloud—At Every Age
Reading aloud shouldn’t stop after primary years. Whether in English, Science, or History, students benefit from hearing fluent reading, teacher commentary, and authentic enthusiasm. When teachers model curiosity, questioning, and reflection, they give students permission to engage deeply with texts.
- Reading at Home and Rethinking the “20 Minutes a Night” Rule
Rather than mandating solo reading every evening, encourage parents to make reading a shared experience. This could be parents sharing what they are reading at home, or family “reading circles” before bedtime. The key is consistency and enjoyment, not obligation. I’m very excited to be trialling a Book Club with parents at one of our schools – it’s another way to show our children how we value reading books.
- Create a School-Wide Reading Culture
I have seen amazing results from some of our schools where this was our priority. The evidence that it works? A direct increase in library borrowing and teacher feedback of conversations with students about reading. It is a wonderful initiative. Sustained change happens when reading becomes a visible, valued part of school life.
Here are some examples that we have employed:
- Leverage Peer Influence
Did you know that peers are the greatest influence on students reading? Display what your school leaders are reading (together with their photo and a copy of the book). Examples include the school captains, sports captains, cultural leaders, academic firsts and prefects. Make it thematic around the sporting (e.g football or netball season) or cultural seasons of your school (e.g if the school musical is approaching, what are the performers reading?). Primary schools can leverage their Year 6 Students recommending a book for the younger students. A whole school display (the learners often love seeing their photo on a large display board!) can promote books and encourage library borrowing from younger pupils.
2. Match the Selfie to the Shelfie (see image) – this is fun! Can you students match the book to the teacher? Record their answers and award the winners with a block of chocolate or water bottle.
3. Book Talk session – Once very week, ask a teacher or employee at the school to talk to camera about a book they are currently reading or a book that affected them. We’ve had one teacher share with students his favourite childhood book that he now reads to his 3-year-old son. This can be a short 2 or 3-minute share that you can play to your students, but it communicates that the whole staff value reading books.
Why It Matters
If students cannot find joy in reading, it becomes difficult for them to persist with more demanding texts in other subjects such as Science, History, or other content areas. By normalising reading for pleasure, schools not only boost literacy skills but also foster empathy, creativity, and resilience.
Making reading a priority is not about adding more to the curriculum—it’s about weaving it into the fabric of school life. When teachers and staff model genuine enthusiasm, match books to interests, and make reading communal and fun, they equip students with not just stronger literacy skills but also a love of learning that lasts well beyond their school years.
