World Book Day is one of my favourite days of the year, a time when we come together to celebrate the magic of books and the power of reading. But what does reading really mean?
This year’s theme, ‘Read Your Way’, is a reminder that literacy isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience. It’s about engaging with and enjoying stories in ways that make sense to each individual—whether that’s through spoken language, symbols, sensory cues, audiobooks, or text.
Reading is communication. It’s about understanding, making connections and interacting with the world. Some children will lose themselves in a favourite book, while others will experience literacy through interactive storytelling, music, drama, or assistive technology. The key is engagement, because without that, there is no learning.
Rethinking Reading: It’s a Continuum, Not a Checklist
To truly support all learners, we need to move away from rigid definitions of reading and recognise that literacy exists on a continuum. Every child is on their own journey, and progress should be celebrated at every stage.
Early Engagement: Building the Foundations for Literacy
For many children, reading starts long before they can decode words. The first step is creating a love of stories, sounds and interaction.
• Oral language comes first – talking, listening, singing, rhyming and storytelling all build the skills needed for later reading and writing.
• Sensory stories bring books to life – objects, textures, sounds and movement make stories meaningful for children with complex needs.
• Picture books without words encourage storytelling – developing inference, imagination and confidence without the pressure of decoding.
• Audiobooks and oral storytelling support comprehension – they allow children to experience rich language structures without being held back by reading difficulties.
Try this: Play an audiobook and ask, “What do you imagine?” Then share the picture book version and explore the connections.
Listen here to Ginny Bootman and I discussing this with the fabulous Dale Pickles https://thesendcast.com/foundations-of-early-literacy-what-are-the-building-blocks/
Emergent and Reluctant Readers: Breaking Down Barriers
Some learners avoid reading because it feels like a struggle. Some may find decoding hard, reading slow or comprehension challenging, or it may never have been seen as relevant for them. To support meaning and engagement, we need to remove barriers and offer alternative routes into reading.
• Assistive technology can be a game-changer – text-to-speech, reading pens, apps, audiobooks and accessible formats allow access to stories and print in ways that work for the learner.
• Pair text with audio and visuals – graphic novels, captioned videos and interactive reading apps help build comprehension and engagement.
• Use high-interest, low-reading-level books – making sure the content is engaging even if decoding skills are still developing.
• Reading doesn’t have to be a solo activity – paired reading, shared reading and book clubs can take the pressure off and make it social.
Try this: Encourage struggling readers to listen to an audiobook while following along with a printed copy. This helps build fluency, word recognition and confidence.
For all learners, World Book Day is a chance to celebrate and come together, creating joyous, meaningful literacy experiences for all.
• Give them the power of choice – allowing them to select books and explore different genres, formats and authors.
• Encourage writing alongside reading – rewriting endings, creating their own stories or responding creatively to texts.
• Make it real-world – engaging with magazines, blogs, interviews and non-fiction builds critical literacy skills.
Try this: Challenge children to create a book review podcast or a digital book trailer. Connecting reading with real-world communication makes it meaningful!
Building an Inclusive Literacy Strategy That Works for All
To create a truly inclusive literacy culture, we need to:
• Recognise that reading is more than decoding text – it includes spoken language, symbols, pictures and digital media.
• Value oral language as the foundation for literacy – storytelling, discussion and interactive play are all key.
• Use assistive technology and alternative formats – removing barriers to access.
• Make reading social and shared – discussion, storytelling and collaborative activities bring books to life.
• Give learners agency and choice – allowing them to engage with stories in ways that work for them.
Free World Book Day Resources
To help make World Book Day truly inclusive, I’ve put together a Wakelet collection of free resources, including:
• Sensory storytelling ideas
• Symbol-supported reading materials
• Audiobook recommendations and assistive tech tools
• Creative reading and writing activities
Access the Wakelet here - simply join as a guest :)
What’s Your Favourite Story?
World Book Day is a chance to celebrate the stories that shape us—whether they are spoken, written, drawn or heard. What’s your favourite story? I’d love to hear your recommendations!
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Happy reading everyone!
Dr. Sarah Moseley
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