Whole class reading is a time for teaching the skills of reading, such as prediction, inference, and retrieval. It is also a time where the class comes together to share a book. In these shared moments a quality text can do more than teach children how to read. It can also open up a world of adventure or mystery. It can provoke emotional responses whether they be happy or sad. It can encourage children to read on their own after the lesson. It can help them make connections to things they already know and introduce them to new knowledge and ideas. It is a place where they can see themselves represented in the books they share and, above all, it is a place where they can find enjoyment. The new Big Cat Read On books do all of this and more. In this article I take each letter of READ ON and show how these new books can support reading with the whole class.
R is for RELEVANCE
Time is tight in schools. The curriculum is jam packed and there are always other pulls on time such as trips, celebrations and enrichment days. Using books that make relevant links to the wider curriculum is a great way to reduce curriculum pressure. What is learnt in say history, is used in reading to practise the skills of comprehension and by practising comprehension with a book about history, this learning is further secured. Children learn join to the dots between subjects, enabling them to make links with this knowledge and so become better at understanding what they read. Big Cat Read On books have been created to make these relevant curriculum links.
E is for ENJOYABLE
Children who enjoy reading tend to have higher average reading ages schools compared to those who do not (National Literacy Trust 2025 – https://literacytrust.org.uk/research-services/research-themes/reading/ )
Enjoyable reading lessons are an essential part of reading for pleasure and Big Cat Read On books have been designed with enjoyment in mind. They have high pupil appeal for example by looking like real books and containing attractive modern artwork. They are also supported with enjoyable learning activities such as drama, discussions and drawing which keep whole class reading lessons active and more than the asking and answering of traditional comprehension questions. That’s not to say the lesson plans don’t include questions, they do. But creative, enjoyable responses to the books is what helps to make them enjoyable texts for whole class reading.
A is for ACCESSIBLE
Finding books that are not too hard but not too easy can be a challenge when planning for whole class reading lessons. Big Cat Read books have this this covered. The books are expertly pitched for upper primary aged children. Their length (1200 to 1500 words) is perfect for a short series of lessons. The themes are suitable for 10- to 12-year-olds. And the vocabulary, whilst challenging, is controlled and frequently supported with definitions in the lesson plans. Accessibility is further planned in the books through the provision of Before Reading activities. These ensure children have the key background information and essential vocabulary vital to accessing the texts.
D is for DIVERSITY
All children deserve to see people like them in the books they read. And all children benefit from glimpsing into the world of people who do not look like them or share their experiences of the world. Finding diverse books for reading lessons can be difficult. Big Cat Read On books represent people of diverse cultures and background from historical and current times, meaning teachers can be sure that using these books for whole class reading sessions will ensure their children will see themselves in the books they use.,
Big Cat Read On books are also created by writers and authors from varied backgrounds. This gives their diversity authenticity. It also provides aspiration for budding authors and illustrators from all backgrounds that creating books is something them may one day wish to do.
O is for OWN READING
Whole class reading lessons teach the skill of reading so that children have the will to read independently. One of the greatest strengths of the Big Cat Read On series is that the books are created by children's authors and illustrators. The series acts like a shop window inviting children to step inside and discover other books from the same authors and illustrators. Teachers can exploit this opportunity by using the Read On books in whole class reading lessons and then stocking their classroom book corners and school libraries with other books by the Read On authors and illustrators for children to choose to read on their own.
N is for NON-FICTION
Whole class reading lessons should include opportunities to learn about fiction and non-fiction genres. Not all factual books read aloud well due to organisational features such as headings, captions, diagrams, and images. This is where narrative non-fiction comes in. This popular genre uses fiction techniques such as scene setting and character development to recount real-life events. It reads aloud well, often sounding like fiction. The new additions to the Read On series include several narrative non-fiction books meaning that Read On can now support non-fiction learning as well as fiction.
Take a look at the new Big Cat Read On titles to see how you can enhance your whole class reading lessons. Read On is aimed at upper KS2 readers. It is suitable for both class and individual reading for this age group.
Rachel Clarke
Rachel Clarke has 28 years’ primary experience including former SENCO, English leader and deputy head. She is an author and series editor, as well as writing regularly for Teach Primary.
Find out more about the Big Cat Read On series at collins.co.uk/ReadOn