July 2019

4 minute read: The All Party Parliamentary Group on Education Technology released their report 'Lessons from Lockdown' this week, summarising evidence of ‘what worked’ when schools had to quickly roll out remote learning during the 2020 lockdown. Here’s a short summary of how eduu.school is leading emerging best practice.

Daniel (age 10) and Bella (age 7) have been using the Reading Planet Online Library during school closures. In this video, they explain why they enjoy using the resource and how it supports them with their reading at home. 

Children will be returning to the classroom full time on 8th March. For everybody this is an exciting time as well as one filled with questions. Bev Allford, School Improvement Officer at Victorious Academies Trust, shares her Trust's approach to supporting thier community’s safe and comfortable return.

4 minute read: Blended learning represents an opportunity to personalise learning, but teachers need resources that are easily adaptable to meet the needs of all children.  Series Editor Maddy Barnes explains how flexible reading and writing series Read in to Writing, can be used in a  blended way.

We're thrilled to announce our new Rocket Phonics teaching and learning programme which launches in May. Author Abigail Steel explains why it's the perfect time for schools to try something different in phonics and gives an insight into what to expect from the new programme. 

In the return to school, when pupil wellbeing will be more important than ever, what can teachers do to build a picture of how their pupils are feeling and identify those who might need further support?  The Westborough school share how they have assessed pupils attitudes to learning before and during lockdown.

We asked Rising Stars Geography Author Anthony Barlow to put together some Geography games that parents can play at home to support their children's geographical understanding and take them out into the wider world even if they can't physically go far. 

Hachette have unveiled a three-year partnership with the National Literacy Trust today that puts inclusion at its heart and provides essential support for primary school children disproportionately affected by COVID-9. 

Our February Reading Planet Book of the Month doesn't just celebrate one book, it celebrates a whole series! In this blog, award winning author Ross Montgomery explains how he wrote The Finney Island Files and gives his top writing tips for children creating their own stories. 

Each year, every first Wednesday in February is marked as World Read Aloud Day. Founded by Lit World, a charity dedicated to ensuring access to storytelling for young people around the world, World Read Aloud Day encourages us to unite in celebration of the importance of global literacy and the power of reading aloud.

In keeping with the spirit of the day, we’ve chosen a short story from the Caribbean to share with you - why not read aloud with friends or family?