Reading Role Models – get the whole school reading this summer

SLS Reading Role Models (RRM) is an initiative to help teachers find contemporary children’s books that we believe they will enjoy reading over the summer. Staff and Governors from subscribing schools who register for the scheme will receive tailored titles to read, review and share. Since Reading Role Models (RRM) was launched, nearly 3,000 books have been read by school staff across the school summer holidays, and their reviews shared with pupils. We’re delighted to open up registration for 2025.

Registration is now open until 20 June

By combining participation in RRM, using SLS@Home to support pupils with access to books, and promoting the Summer Reading Challenge in public libraries, everyone in school can relax with a great read over the summer.

A reminder about the scheme

• On registering, colleagues can select the option of 1 or 2 books to read. The first will be selected according to information provided while the second will be a surprise recommendation from SLS staff.
• Books will be delivered to school along with an accompanying bookmark that has a QR code linking to a phone-friendly review form which takes just a couple of minutes to complete.
• The Review form will populate a choice of poster which will be emailed to the teacher along with instructions on how to embed an image of the book cover, or perhaps a picture of the teacher reading the book.
• On return to school in the autumn, you can add the books to your library or book areas and use the posters to promote your reads to your pupils.

Some good practice shared by schools

• Model great reading behaviours at the start of summer by talking about the scheme in assembly in July and tell the children that you will be taking part.
• When suggesting themes for SLS to use to select titles, think about what you will be teaching in autumn and whether you might want to read the book in class.
• Co-ordinate displays of both books and posters on return to school.
• Share your reading on social media and tag us in on Instagram @hantssls. Tag the authors in too – they love to feel appreciated!
• Keep in touch with colleagues over the summer about your reading, feel free to swap titles amongst your group and if you would like support setting up a staff reading group for children’s titles – let us know.