Such an amazing set of longlists for the book awards this year. I don't know how the teachers will shortlist, it was tough enough choosing the longlist!

Are you a member of the @uklitassociation.bsky.social? Check your email for the opportunity to become the next Vice President of the association. The closing date is the 15th of September. You will need to complete the nomination form and be supported by two other UKLA members.

Not long til the conference! Come and join me for some poetry creation😊. You can also speak to your district for help with costs if you are an NEU member. Find out more on the booking page👇🏻.

Are you a teacher, librarian, TA, student, who wants to develop your #readingforpleasure practice? Why not join me for my @openuni-rfp.bsky.social @uklitassociation.bsky.social Teachers' Readers Group. Develop an area of practice over 5 sessions across the year.

I've been thinking a lot about why the DfE guidance feels so wrong and I reckon it's because it ignores the role of intrinsic motivation in *wanting* to learn to write. If it's not about the urge to communicate your own ideas, rather than just about the technical aspects, you're missing the point. ♥️

For the Harold Rosen Memorial Lecture we have the wonderful Frank Cottrell Boyce starting our Saturday with a bang. @uklitassociation.bsky.social @michaelrosenyes.bsky.social

Good morning Liverpool😊. After a busy & insightful day at the @uklitassociation.bsky.social International Conference yesterday & last night at the amazing Book Awards, I'm looking forward to being filled again today with inspiration. I shall also be doing my poetry workshop on authentic voice too!

Really interesting keynote at the @uklitassociation.bsky.social International Conference from Anežka Kuzmičová about children and their responses and reflections to non-fiction. So much to think about. #myukla

Settling down to read a book submitted for the @uklitassociation.bsky.social 2026 Information Book Awards. What a lovely way to ease into the weekend. Hound enjoys a good book too.

Very privileged to have been part of the judging panel and got to read this excellent book. So much insight from around the globe and plenty of food for thought. #EduSky

When you're awake at 5 so put your time to good use. Prepping some resources for my @uklitassociation.bsky.social poetry workshop in a few weeks. Looking forward to sharing & gaining words & phrases that come from our communities, histories & families. The conference programme is up: ukla.org/ic25/

Are there any particular word/phrases/colloquialisms that are regularly used by you, children, communities, have cultural relevance that aren't commonly heard in a classroom but are very much well-loved? I love the phrase flamin' nora which was used throughout my childhood. #Edusky

Are there any particular word/phrases/ colloquialisms that are regularly used by you, your communities, have cultural relevance that aren't commonly heard in a classroom but are very much well-loved? I love the phrase flamin' nora which my dad used throughout my childhood when he was in disbelief.

Perfect marking weather. The garden will certainly benefit.

Looking forward to hearing wonderful @frankcottrellboyce.bsky.social on the Saturday (June 28th 9.30am) of @uklitassociation.bsky.social International Conference #thisismyukla Still time to buy one of last few tickets! @rshargreaves.bsky.social @jotregenza.bsky.social @joyisreading.bsky.social

@uklitassociation.bsky.social ITE SIG free conference on Friday. The thread was language and talk. We heard from: Alice Reedy, Alastair Daniel and the Oracy Hub in Tower Hamlets What a wonderful day for SIG members. @teresacremin.bsky.social @navangovender.bsky.social @rshargreaves.bsky.social

Just over a month until the @uklitassociation.bsky.social International Conference in Liverpool! The programme is fit to bursting with content for teachers, researchers, educationalists etc.. I shall be running a poetry workshop on the Saturday & I'd love you to join me. #edusky ukla.org/ic25/

Fab @educationuom.bsky.social away day. Interesting discussions around critical literacies, anti-racism, EDI. So lovely to see the students present so confidently to the department. Also, lovely sunshine at lunch! @drlizgregory.bsky.social

UKLA's Statement on Equalities Act 2010. Read it online here: buff.ly/UnBDHEz

I once again find myself wondering what this country would look like today if the Green Party had been given even half the media attention that Farage’s various vanity projects got over the last ten years.

Off to Manchester to meet a couple of our super @uomteach-ed.bsky.social @uniofmanchester.bsky.social Primary PGCE trainees who are shadowing the @uklitassociation.bsky.social Book Awards. I can't wait to see what they think of the information book shortlist & how they will use them in school.

So lovely to spend the day immersed in video submissions of children performing poetry aloud for the Poetry by Heart competition. So many talented children making each poem come alive! If your school hasn't entered this year, why not consider it for 2026? Look @poetrybyheart.bsky.social 's website.

Having read the article in @theguardian.com today talking about increased book censorship I recommend we all read this book by @alangratz.bsky.social to our year 6. It’s a great book about rebellion. The banned books mentioned became must reads in our Year 6 class. Best way to get kids reading ;-)

Not quite ready to acknowledge that our little bout of summer-type weather is going to disappear soon and it'll be back to being rainy and chilly. So lovely to be in the garden with the hound and to #readforpleasure for a change, rather than for a deadline.

I'm really pleased to share I will be taking up the mantle as deputy Honorary Secretary for the @uklitassociation.bsky.social . I'll be stepping down as Conference Convenor. So if you're a UKLA member & have a commitment to volunteer in such a role do look at the terms of reference on our site.

What a fab space the OURfP conference has been. Always a joy to hear @teresacremin.bsky.social & colleagues speak & to see so many inspired folk. Thanks to all who stopped by the @uklitassociation.bsky.social hope you to see you at the International Conference ukla.org/ic25/ #ReadingforPleasure

Up early and at the station to make my way to the OU & @uklitassociation.bsky.social Reading for Pleasure conference. Would be preferable if the trespassers could move off the line so I can get there on time for lots of super book chat! #readingforpleasure

Teacher & Librarians! We're giving away limited mystery review sets of our soon to publish Choose Your Own Adventure series: one set could be yours... Comment below & share this post to be in with the chance! Choose Your Own Adventure is the bestselling gamebook series of all time.

Spent a lovely afternoon with colleagues from all around the UK, discussing the @uklitassociation.bsky.social Academic Book Award submissions. The final panel will soon be judging them against the criteria and I am excited that soon the shortlist will be out and you can decide for yourselves.

Early years experts create guide to highlight importance of play www.nurseryworld.co.uk/content/news...

On a beautiful sunny Ostara morning I'm heading down to Cambridge for a conference about fairy tales and gender fluidity and to spend some time writing. There may also be a trip to Fitzbillies 😁.

Was such a fab day of judging for the shortlist for the @uklitassociation.bsky.social . Thanks for the share @stephenjdilley.bsky.social

The @uklitassociation.bsky.social Book Awards shortlists are out. Selected by teacher judges, shared with children in their classrooms. It's been a pleasure to be a leader for the Information Book group. I don't know how the teacher judges are going to pick a winner, they are all worthy!

Our next UKLA Book Blether is coming up on March 20th! Join in to share and discover fantastic children's texts - this month's theme is poetry. Sign up here: buff.ly/IDCVdvZ

Ten years since the passing of my favourite author. His work was a constant companion. His wit and world wisdom second to none. #GNUTerryPratchett

When your hound is insisting that he deserves the spot on your lap, not your laptop. He cares not a jot about my marking workload. #lurcherlove

Wonderful to see the passion and joy of our brilliant teacher judges at today’s UKLA Book Awards shortlisting. Four phenomenal shortlists have been chosen and will be announced soon! @uklitassociation.bsky.social @lyndajgraham.bsky.social @joyisreading.bsky.social @lockwoodcm.bsky.social

Happy International Women's Day!

Happy #worldbookday! Such a great event & always a favourite day as a teacher. I'm looking forward to another celebration of quality children's books this Sat. @uklitassociation.bsky.social 's fab Book Awards team will be hosting us group leaders & teacher judges to shortlist for this year's awards.

Been so busy I've not had chance to thank all who came to the @uklitassociation.bsky.social National Conference Saturday. Keynote speaker @coralrumble.bsky.social was phenomenal. Her message of 'casting our net wide' to ensure true inclusiveness in our practice & in books we share was so important.

Also if you're about for the UKLA International Conference in Liverpool this year I'll be running a poetry workshop. I also recorded this a while ago youtu.be/hv-iweQP34M?...

In just over a week's time the @uklitassociation.bsky.social online national conference is happening, do join us for a fab morning and taking about the potential for literacy to break boundaries and help children and young people navigate the world we are in ukla.org/nc25/ #EduSky

Looking forward to digging deeper into talk for learning in the classroom with my BSc students tomorrow. We'll consider power, as well as cultivating a positive ethos.

Just received my water bill, had a big shock at how much it's gone up, wonder how on earth they can justify it. Where's everyone supposed to get the extra money from? Cross that we have no choice. Not hopeful, but the conversation needs to begin. petition.parliament.uk/signatures/1...

If you want to share a really special gift this #ValentinesDay, read to a child. It's an expression of love that will last a lifetime ❤️ @frankcottrellboyce.bsky.social

I am very lucky to work in a dept where everyone puts student experience & support at the heart of their practice. I was really thrilled to receive a letter today from our HoE & director of teaching & learning. My EY course unit student feedback scores were fab & it was so lovely to be thanked 😊.

Our @uomteach-ed.bsky.social Primary PGCE trainees are brilliant. After a full day of input, it was so lovely to welcome those who came for a twilight optional session on further reading for pleasure 💪🏼.