Jon Biddle
@jonnybid.bsky.social
Year 5/6 teacher and English lead. Children's books and reading mostly, Blake's 7 sometimes. Currently reading: Finn's Epic Fails by Phil Earle.
Do sign up for the @literacy-trust.bsky.social Young Poet's Week online masterclasses, featuring Zohab Zee Zhan and Laura Mucha for KS2 (24th November), and Karl Nova and Nikita Gill for KS3 (25th November). A great way to raise the profile of poetry in schools. literacytrust.org.uk/programmes/y...
Young Poet Laureate | National Literacy Trust
The Young Poet Laureate Programme programme aims to inspire a new generation of young poets, championing young poetic voices and developing children and young people’s literacy, creativity and confide...
literacytrust.org.uk
November 21, 2025 at 7:37 PM
Do sign up for the @literacy-trust.bsky.social Young Poet's Week online masterclasses, featuring Zohab Zee Zhan and Laura Mucha for KS2 (24th November), and Karl Nova and Nikita Gill for KS3 (25th November). A great way to raise the profile of poetry in schools. literacytrust.org.uk/programmes/y...
Reposted by Jon Biddle
Do join us on Tuesday for this free seminar www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/write-to-r... it’ll be useful! @kashleyenglish.bsky.social @debrakidd.bsky.social @jonnybid.bsky.social @jonny-walker.bsky.social @raesnape.bsky.social @primarychamp.bsky.social @benniekara.bsky.social please share! All welcome!
Write to Read: Motivating and Engaging Literacy Learners
Centre for Literacy and Social Justice Seminar
www.eventbrite.co.uk
November 20, 2025 at 11:20 AM
Do join us on Tuesday for this free seminar www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/write-to-r... it’ll be useful! @kashleyenglish.bsky.social @debrakidd.bsky.social @jonnybid.bsky.social @jonny-walker.bsky.social @raesnape.bsky.social @primarychamp.bsky.social @benniekara.bsky.social please share! All welcome!
The schools and early years offer for the National Year of Reading has been released. The links to the @literacy-trust.bsky.social videos are below.
EYFS: www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8YH...
Primary: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kw8X...
Secondary: www.youtube.com/watch?v=VpLQ...
Please share widely.
EYFS: www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8YH...
Primary: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kw8X...
Secondary: www.youtube.com/watch?v=VpLQ...
Please share widely.
Official Early Years Settings Offer - National Year of Reading 2026
YouTube video by National Literacy Trust
www.youtube.com
November 19, 2025 at 7:58 PM
The schools and early years offer for the National Year of Reading has been released. The links to the @literacy-trust.bsky.social videos are below.
EYFS: www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8YH...
Primary: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kw8X...
Secondary: www.youtube.com/watch?v=VpLQ...
Please share widely.
EYFS: www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8YH...
Primary: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kw8X...
Secondary: www.youtube.com/watch?v=VpLQ...
Please share widely.
Reposted by Jon Biddle
Do join us at this free research and practice seminar www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/write-to-r... @jonnybid.bsky.social @edfinch.bsky.social @firststory.bsky.social @minilebowski.bsky.social
November 16, 2025 at 6:15 PM
Do join us at this free research and practice seminar www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/write-to-r... @jonnybid.bsky.social @edfinch.bsky.social @firststory.bsky.social @minilebowski.bsky.social
Reposted by Jon Biddle
I've got lots of amazing picturebooks about the oceans but now looking for a couple more. Any recommendations gratefully received!
November 12, 2025 at 7:17 PM
I've got lots of amazing picturebooks about the oceans but now looking for a couple more. Any recommendations gratefully received!
Reposted by Jon Biddle
Not to be missed/not long to book: *Reconstructing Reading: translating research into powerful
practice*
Hear from Timothy Shanahan, Jan Hasbrouck, Young-Suk Grace Kim, Kate Cain, Kate Nation & more.
See video below for full lineup.
Full info/bookings: literacytrust.org.uk/events/recon...
practice*
Hear from Timothy Shanahan, Jan Hasbrouck, Young-Suk Grace Kim, Kate Cain, Kate Nation & more.
See video below for full lineup.
Full info/bookings: literacytrust.org.uk/events/recon...
November 11, 2025 at 8:17 PM
Not to be missed/not long to book: *Reconstructing Reading: translating research into powerful
practice*
Hear from Timothy Shanahan, Jan Hasbrouck, Young-Suk Grace Kim, Kate Cain, Kate Nation & more.
See video below for full lineup.
Full info/bookings: literacytrust.org.uk/events/recon...
practice*
Hear from Timothy Shanahan, Jan Hasbrouck, Young-Suk Grace Kim, Kate Cain, Kate Nation & more.
See video below for full lineup.
Full info/bookings: literacytrust.org.uk/events/recon...
This morning, I had a conversation with my Y6 class about mobile phones which lasted far longer than intended. Many admitted they were on them almost constantly when not in school and talked about feeling addicted. We all know this anyway but it was a frightening confirmation.
November 10, 2025 at 8:14 PM
This morning, I had a conversation with my Y6 class about mobile phones which lasted far longer than intended. Many admitted they were on them almost constantly when not in school and talked about feeling addicted. We all know this anyway but it was a frightening confirmation.
I've enjoyed all of Kirsty Applebaum's previous novels but this is my favourite so far. Atmospheric and perfectly constructed with cleverly overlapping storylines. As well as having a wonderful plot, it explores bullying and peer pressure. Ideal for Y5/6. @nosycrow.bsky.social
November 9, 2025 at 6:25 PM
I've enjoyed all of Kirsty Applebaum's previous novels but this is my favourite so far. Atmospheric and perfectly constructed with cleverly overlapping storylines. As well as having a wonderful plot, it explores bullying and peer pressure. Ideal for Y5/6. @nosycrow.bsky.social
Just made a few tweaks to my overview for a weekly picturebook assembly which focuses on empathy, inclusion and diversity. Please feel free to use and adapt. The link is on my Padlet, along with lots of other resources: padlet.com/Jon_Biddle/r...
November 8, 2025 at 12:52 PM
Just made a few tweaks to my overview for a weekly picturebook assembly which focuses on empathy, inclusion and diversity. Please feel free to use and adapt. The link is on my Padlet, along with lots of other resources: padlet.com/Jon_Biddle/r...
Reading Floodland by Marcus Sedgwick with my Y5/6 class is always an absolute pleasure. Not a single word is wasted! Six lines in and we're already straight into the action. Such a talented writer and such a sad loss.
November 5, 2025 at 9:26 PM
Reading Floodland by Marcus Sedgwick with my Y5/6 class is always an absolute pleasure. Not a single word is wasted! Six lines in and we're already straight into the action. Such a talented writer and such a sad loss.
Reposted by Jon Biddle
If you're looking to build a school collection of graphic novels, @scholasticuk.bsky.social have just launched a great new deal. Their Graphic Novel Book Box is updated every term with ten new graphic novels and loads of bonus posters and bookmarks.
Link here: shop.scholastic.co.uk/products/160...
Link here: shop.scholastic.co.uk/products/160...
November 3, 2025 at 6:04 PM
If you're looking to build a school collection of graphic novels, @scholasticuk.bsky.social have just launched a great new deal. Their Graphic Novel Book Box is updated every term with ten new graphic novels and loads of bonus posters and bookmarks.
Link here: shop.scholastic.co.uk/products/160...
Link here: shop.scholastic.co.uk/products/160...
If you're looking to build a school collection of graphic novels, @scholasticuk.bsky.social have just launched a great new deal. Their Graphic Novel Book Box is updated every term with ten new graphic novels and loads of bonus posters and bookmarks.
Link here: shop.scholastic.co.uk/products/160...
Link here: shop.scholastic.co.uk/products/160...
November 3, 2025 at 6:04 PM
If you're looking to build a school collection of graphic novels, @scholasticuk.bsky.social have just launched a great new deal. Their Graphic Novel Book Box is updated every term with ten new graphic novels and loads of bonus posters and bookmarks.
Link here: shop.scholastic.co.uk/products/160...
Link here: shop.scholastic.co.uk/products/160...
The @empathylabuk.bsky.social conference on Thu 27th Nov is going to be superb. The links between reading and empathy are very powerful. Fantastic speakers, including @michaelrosenyes.bsky.social, @teresacremin.bsky.social and @amdassu.bsky.social. More info here: empathylab.uk/raising-gene...
November 2, 2025 at 6:05 PM
The @empathylabuk.bsky.social conference on Thu 27th Nov is going to be superb. The links between reading and empathy are very powerful. Fantastic speakers, including @michaelrosenyes.bsky.social, @teresacremin.bsky.social and @amdassu.bsky.social. More info here: empathylab.uk/raising-gene...
I love a children's author who knows their Greek mythology and Annelise Gray clearly does. The Odyssey of Phoebe Quilliam is a fantastic adventure story, full of action and drama, but with plenty of quieter and more reflective moments too. It's a great read for Year 5/6.
October 30, 2025 at 9:16 PM
I love a children's author who knows their Greek mythology and Annelise Gray clearly does. The Odyssey of Phoebe Quilliam is a fantastic adventure story, full of action and drama, but with plenty of quieter and more reflective moments too. It's a great read for Year 5/6.
A great way to celebrate poetry in schools! The Young Poet Laureate Programme kicks off with the first Young Poets Week during the week of 24th Nov. Free online sessions for KS2/KS3 pupils plus free resources. Thank you @literacy-trust.bsky.social. Info here: literacytrust.org.uk/programmes/y...
Young Poet Laureate | National Literacy Trust
The Young Poet Laureate Programme programme aims to inspire a new generation of young poets, championing young poetic voices and developing children and young people’s literacy, creativity and confide...
literacytrust.org.uk
October 30, 2025 at 10:48 AM
A great way to celebrate poetry in schools! The Young Poet Laureate Programme kicks off with the first Young Poets Week during the week of 24th Nov. Free online sessions for KS2/KS3 pupils plus free resources. Thank you @literacy-trust.bsky.social. Info here: literacytrust.org.uk/programmes/y...
This is really sad news. Knights Of are exactly the kind of publisher that the children's book world needs.
www.thebookseller.com/news/indepen...
www.thebookseller.com/news/indepen...
Independent children's publisher Knights Of set to close
Award-winning inclusive children’s publisher Knights Of is set to close, The Bookseller understands, with accountancy firm Hart Shaw instructed to place the company in liquidation, pending a vote of t...
www.thebookseller.com
October 29, 2025 at 2:47 PM
This is really sad news. Knights Of are exactly the kind of publisher that the children's book world needs.
www.thebookseller.com/news/indepen...
www.thebookseller.com/news/indepen...
Reposted by Jon Biddle
The #ReconstructingReading online festival takes place during the week of 17th November. @literacy-trust.bsky.social have put together a line-up of outstanding speakers. Tickets are available for individual sessions or the entire week. More info here: literacytrust.org.uk/training-and...
October 28, 2025 at 10:00 AM
The #ReconstructingReading online festival takes place during the week of 17th November. @literacy-trust.bsky.social have put together a line-up of outstanding speakers. Tickets are available for individual sessions or the entire week. More info here: literacytrust.org.uk/training-and...
Have spent the day reading some of the books shortlisted for the @empathylabuk.bsky.social Read for Empathy collection. It always inspires me. So many wonderful things can happen in a classroom when you use the right story or poem.
October 28, 2025 at 4:18 PM
Have spent the day reading some of the books shortlisted for the @empathylabuk.bsky.social Read for Empathy collection. It always inspires me. So many wonderful things can happen in a classroom when you use the right story or poem.
The #ReconstructingReading online festival takes place during the week of 17th November. @literacy-trust.bsky.social have put together a line-up of outstanding speakers. Tickets are available for individual sessions or the entire week. More info here: literacytrust.org.uk/training-and...
October 28, 2025 at 10:00 AM
The #ReconstructingReading online festival takes place during the week of 17th November. @literacy-trust.bsky.social have put together a line-up of outstanding speakers. Tickets are available for individual sessions or the entire week. More info here: literacytrust.org.uk/training-and...
Reposted by Jon Biddle
Michael Rosen Day is happening on Thursday 13th November! If you haven't signed up yet, make sure you do. There's a free live @michaelrosenyes.bsky.social event, a poetry competition and loads of great resources. Join the poetry party! #MichaelRosenDay www.michaelrosen.co.uk/michaelrosen...
October 27, 2025 at 9:29 AM
Michael Rosen Day is happening on Thursday 13th November! If you haven't signed up yet, make sure you do. There's a free live @michaelrosenyes.bsky.social event, a poetry competition and loads of great resources. Join the poetry party! #MichaelRosenDay www.michaelrosen.co.uk/michaelrosen...
Michael Rosen Day is happening on Thursday 13th November! If you haven't signed up yet, make sure you do. There's a free live @michaelrosenyes.bsky.social event, a poetry competition and loads of great resources. Join the poetry party! #MichaelRosenDay www.michaelrosen.co.uk/michaelrosen...
October 27, 2025 at 9:29 AM
Michael Rosen Day is happening on Thursday 13th November! If you haven't signed up yet, make sure you do. There's a free live @michaelrosenyes.bsky.social event, a poetry competition and loads of great resources. Join the poetry party! #MichaelRosenDay www.michaelrosen.co.uk/michaelrosen...
Important piece from @booktrust.org.uk and @openuni-rfp.bsky.social about the value of book choice for pupils and how to help promote it in the classroom. Do have a read! files.booktrust.org.uk/docs/documen... @teresacremin.bsky.social @richardruddick.bsky.social
October 26, 2025 at 7:21 AM
Important piece from @booktrust.org.uk and @openuni-rfp.bsky.social about the value of book choice for pupils and how to help promote it in the classroom. Do have a read! files.booktrust.org.uk/docs/documen... @teresacremin.bsky.social @richardruddick.bsky.social
Anyone know where we're actually up to this term? Week 15? Week 38? Week 467?
October 20, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Anyone know where we're actually up to this term? Week 15? Week 38? Week 467?
Everyone working in primary schools wants to raise standards in reading. For me, the best starting point is Primary Reading Simplified by @suchmo83.bsky.social. It's superb and covers everything, with phonics, fluency, comprehension and RfP all being explored.
October 20, 2025 at 5:23 PM
Everyone working in primary schools wants to raise standards in reading. For me, the best starting point is Primary Reading Simplified by @suchmo83.bsky.social. It's superb and covers everything, with phonics, fluency, comprehension and RfP all being explored.