Independent reading, reading for pleasure, Oxford University Press

Research shows that the amount of time children spend reading independently is the best predictor of their overall literacy and language achievement. It helps children to build fluency and become self-reliant readers. Take a look at our wealth of support, including:

our much-loved Treetops, Oxford Reading Tree and Project X levelled reading books
advice for independent reading from renowned experts
a unique four-step whole school approach to Building an Outstanding Reading School using the Oxford Owl Grammar Pathway
independent reading advice and tips on our @OUPPrimary Twitter feed
advice for parents on Oxford Owl For Home.

Evaluate our independent reading books

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Set up a book club in your school

How to Set Up a Book Club In Your School

Inspire a love of reading by setting up a book club in your school. Download this useful guide, written by our expert Nikki Gamble

TreeTops Greatest Stories: Rip Van Winkle

Get your children reading this American classic short story. Oxford Level 11

Rip Van Winkle Teaching Notes

Use these free teaching notes to develop comprehension and independent reading skills

Oxford Reading Tree inFact: Bug Buzz

Take a look at and discuss this amazing range of insects with you children. Oxford Level 7

Bug Buzz Teaching Notes

Use these teaching notes to encourage reading and to get your children to talk about creepy crawlies

Keep your class reading with Oxford Owl

Get free support

Find resources to support you with improving independent reading on Oxford Owl

Inspire them with eBooks!

Discover a library of free eBooks and added enhanced collections on Oxford Owl

Set up a free class login

Set up a class login so that your class can access the eBooks in a dedicated pupil area

Best practice for independent reading

Reading for Pleasure survey

Read this summary about the importance of reading in the classroom (PDF)

5 ways we can support you (PDF)

Get your juniors reading for pleasure with this simple guide

Building and Outstanding Reading School Report

Building an Outstanding Reading School (PDF)

James Clements' report takes you through six key strategies for making reading for pleasure work

Advice for parents

Parents as Partners in Children's Reading Development (video)

Linda Tallent gives top tips on how to engage parents with their child’s reading development.

4 min 54 seconds

Parental Engagement Report (PDF)

Download this free report about forming effective relationships with parents

Oxford Owl for Home

Helpful advice, top tips, activities and games to help with reading at home

Ensuring that children who can read, want to read (video)

Linda Tallent offers practical advice on keeping children reading independently.

10 min 11 seconds

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Series	TreeTops The biggest range of quality, levelled books from well-known and loved authors
Series	Oxford Reading Tree Inspiring a love of reading in every child
Series	Oxford Reading Buddy Transform reading and comprehension in your school with Oxford Reading Buddy
Expert	Nikki Gamble Developing a love for reading
Professional Development	Matching Books to Children (Video) Nikki Gamble gives guidance on matching books to children in Key Stage 2, to ensure juniors keep reading. 3 min 5 seconds Handout (PDF)