INSIDE EDITION
Listen. Nurture. Enthuse. Question. Debate.
RESOURCES
Turn classes into masterclasses with access to amazing resource reviews from our School Library Service. Ditch the expected texts and get inspired to try something new.
ADVICE
Connecting the dots between content and the curriculum. Our advice series offers a glimpse on what talent you can access from School Library Service team member.
INTERVIEWS
Every librarian has access to a network of authors, artists and advocates. For your pleasure, we've interviewed some of our favourite speakers in this curated collection.
FULL ARCHIVE
The burning of Spellow community library – how libraries can help to restore peace and security for our children and young people
Rachel JohnstonHarrow SLS Librarian’s view: From the many images of senseless destruction in the riots following the tragic murders in Southport this summer, those of the blackened, ransacked public library in Spellow, Liverpool seemed...
News
Using Puppets in the Classroom
Wanda GajewskiWandsworth LRS Librarian’s view: Storytelling is often considered as a daunting activity. We all have a natural propensity towards telling and will have told many anecdotes and recounted many events. Research has shown t...
Creativity
Representation of EDI in books on library shelves
Authors and books who have shared stories and characters with us which make visible EDI in our society, through the ages....
Reading
The Reading Teacher – Widening Teachers’ Reading Repertoires
Looking at a recent study of teachers’ reading repertoires and moving beyond popular childhood favourites....
Advice
The Importance of Reading for Pleasure – Farshore School Research Project
A look at how reading aloud for 20 minutes a day can impact positivity towards reading and improved attainment in reading and comprehension....
Advice
BIG Book List (KS1-4): Discovering Disabled or Neurodiverse Characters
A range of popular fiction titles including a synopsis that have characters who are disabled or neurodiverse for KS1 - KS4....
Reading
Box Clever
School Library Services across the UK provide excellent, tailor-made topic collections support school projects. Our topic boxes help teachers with their planning and delivery of the National Curriculum within a framework which is both...
Advice
Sarah Mears: finding empathy-boosting books
November is Empathy Action Month. Here Sarah Mears shares the many ways that EmpathyLab is helping tackle a societal empathy deficit by promoting reading....
Interview
Updating Your Primary School Library on a Limited Budget
Exploring ways to prioritise school library spending when money is limited and book prices are rising by Pat Elliott and Sharon Walsh from Westminster Schools Library Service....
Advice
A day in the life of a librarian
A librarian can bring many extra benefits to your school, helping teachers prepare and students unlock their love of stories and learning. Here librarian Laura Bennett, from Tower Hamlets SLS, discusses the plethora of ways she’s used...
Advice
What price progress?
Human history is full of inventions. It starts back from the Dark Age, where humans first learned how to make fire and then began making the first tools to make their daily tasks easier. This pack will spark a discussion in the...
STEM
Matt Dickinson: Everest reading challenge
Author, film maker, lecturer Matt Dickinson loves squirrels and libraries. Here he shares tips on using adventure – and in particular climbing Everest, the world’s highest mountain - to help students learn to love reading....
Interview
Eileen Armstrong: Angel of the North East
Even working as a librarian at a busy school can be a surprisingly lonely professional experience. Alongside career highlights here’s how Eileen Armstrong, librarian at a large secondary school in Northumberland, uses SLS to save money...
Interview
Reading Adventures
Explore how to make reading an adventure, linking the curriculum and information books, to help engage reluctant readers and develop a love of reading and learning....
AdviceReading
Challenging Gender Stereotypes Through Picture Books
Exploration of early years education that's central in promoting gender equality, with picture books an essential resource in addressing and challenging gender stereotypes. ...
Picture Books
The BIG list of Black and Asian authors
A comprehensive list of popular fiction titles with synopsis written by Black and Asian authors from picture books to YA fiction...
Reading
Gillian Harris: A new chapter for a towering force
Thinking like a librarian is second nature for Gillian Harris from Tower Hamlets SLS. As she’s due to retire in autumn 2023 we asked for the standout moments helping the right books and collections get to children, and the adults who...
Interview
How the library can support an OFSTED inspection
OFSTED visits are always on a school’s mind, especially now that many are getting their first visit for several years in the post-pandemic catch-up....
Advice
The updated Reading Framework – How SLS can help?
Lisa Little looks at how SLS can support schools in light of the updated Reading Framework....
Advice
Nina Simon: The Coronation, the King and Me
It was just another workday, when an email popped into my inbox from ‘Honours Mailbox’ inviting me to the King’s Coronation. My first reaction was “is this a scam’? On confirming its authenticity, my next thought was “why me?’ ...
Interview
Classification for nerds
How a little bit of understanding about the classification scheme in your library can help children find the books they want....
Advice
Tracks Through Poplar
Taking the train and railways in East London as a starting point – Global Learning London with teachers and children in Poplar – created an innovative online resource based around a 150-year-old steam locomotive ‘Poplar’....
Cross-curriculum
Unequal futures: an imbalance of opportunities but an insight into school library provision
Guest article from Alison Tarrant, Co-Chair, Great School Libraries campaign, highlighting some of the key takeaways from the new Great School Libraries research....
Advice
Francis Gerard: The Global Storyteller
Author, film maker, museum creator and raconteur Francis Gerard has definitely lived an “adventurous life”. Here he shares his love of books, Chinese culture, the San bushmen of South Africa and sci-fi....
Interview
School library versus classroom reading corners
Can classroom reading corners be an acceptable alternative to a whole school library? Advice from Jacqueline Barnes, Northumberland SLS....
Advice
A Portrait of Black Artists
Books which focus on inspiring black icons that will be ideal for your primary school library (with a special focus on activist artist Faith Ringgold), selected by Sharon Walsh from Westminster SLS....
Creativity
St Mary’s Primary School: Shelf Life
When Year 6s from St Mary’s Primary school asked for a library where they could relax and enjoy books, Deputy Head Amanda Bishop sought advice from Wandsworth Learning Resources Service. Amanda and librarian J Lythgoe meet to discuss...
Interview
Adam Bushnell: The pun is mightier than the sword
How reading bedtime stories to children on a school trip to Michael Morpurgo’s Devon farm helped primary teacher Adam Bushnell become a polymath author....
Interview
The Compelling Case for Student Librarians
A look at how selection, training and supporting pupil librarians can engage the whole school in sharing books and reading....
Advice
Unlocking the Potential of AI-Assisted Teaching with a Chatbot
ChatGPT, powered by artificial intelligence, is a chatbot which takes human-computer interaction to a whole new level. It was released for public use in early December and grew to over 1 million users in 5 days. The system responds to...
Advice
Two Girls, Two Diaries, Two Wars
Two girls who lived through two frightening wars, 80 years apart. Both wrote diaries describing their experiences. Both entries start with a birthday. One ends tragically, the other with sanctuary....
Reading
Running a Book Club
A look at how book clubs can support book awards by Diane Scarborough from Lancashire School Library Service. Tips include how to encourage students to get involved and how to structure sessions as well as useful voting criteria....
Advice
Building a Brilliant School Library on a Budget
Nina SimonRedbridge SLS Librarian’s view: Over the years I have been into many schools to organise and update their primary school libraries. All too often the teacher given the responsibility for the library often feels overwhelmed: ...
Advice
SF Said: Love cat library
Author SF Said talks about the ways libraries are important for his writing life and introduces his new book, Tyger....
Interview
Something wicked this way comes: genuinely scary reads for KS2 horror fans
Appropriate horror fiction and non-fiction for KS2 readers is often requested but tricky to identify. Here West Sussex Schools Library Service recommend scary reads for the more discerning KS2 horror fan in a bid to inspire more...
Reading
Lucy Brandt: Nothing is impossible if you use your imagination
There’s a new, super inventive science series on the fiction shelves for six to nine-year-olds with diverse characters - Leonora Bolt. Here author Lucy Brandt talks about her inspirations and hope to highlight the joy of STEM subjects...
Interview
Class Work: Real World Learning
A look at how experiences outside the classroom can invigorate learning inside the classroom by Lisa Little who works for SLS’s partner, Durham Learning Resources...
Advice
Unleash the power of poetry
Encourage your students to write their own poems by sharing advice and inspiration from Joseph Coelho, author of My Beautiful Voice, and Michael Rosen suggests Nina Simon from Redbridge SLS....
Creativity
How to get the space right for school libraries
A well organised primary school library needs a space of its own – a safe haven which children are excited to explore. Shelves of books in a corridor do not invite browsing and mooching. ...
Advice
What books does our primary school library need?
There are three elements to the well-organised library – space, stock and staff – that lead to a fourth, personalisation, which will help your pupils get the best from your library resources...
Advice
Staffing the primary school library
A library without a person running it is just a roomful of books – and those books will be getting dustier and tattier every month....
Advice
Around the world with maps and compasses
In times of driverless cars and GPS (Global Positioning System) are traditional devices for orientation in the field, such as a map and compass, tools of the past? The short answer is not yet, writes Wanda Gajewski from Wandsworth LRS....
Science
Shelfie Love
Preston-based Jake Hope has found all sorts of ways to bring the best reading to children, especially those living in the north of England. Here he discusses how children’s books and libraries make life better....
Interview
Creative Writing: How to Diffuse an Explosion in the Thesaurus Factory
How to effectively move from "WOW!" words to "in their own words"....
Cross-curriculum
Teachers Perspective: Why we buy a subscription service
Short film exploring how and why Teachers and Head Teachers are buying a SLS UK learning resources subscription from Wandsworth Council....
Interview
Rewards of Running a Local Book Award
From introducing new, exciting novelists into the reading repertoire to bolstering pupil confidence, Nina Simon, Manager of Redbridge SLS, introduces us to the benefits of book awards....
Advice
Caroline Bilton: Good, better, best practice in Primary Schools
In Northumberland Deputy Head Caroline Bilton’s push for better reading skills, especially amongst children from disadvantaged backgrounds, has seen her take up an extra training role helping teachers use best practice. Interview by...
Interview
It’s not only the mental health of children… My mum’s not like other mums
For children living with parents who suffer from mental health issues, home life can be incredibly tricky....
PHSE
Miranda Mckearney: What’s your empathy superpower?
Where did the idea of book-based empathy building come from? And what are the highlights of Empathy Day on June 9? Miranda Mckearney from the EmpathyLab explains. Interview by Nicola Baird...
Interview
Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month
Care needs to be taken when choosing Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month resources as it is so important to avoid the stereotypes that seep into some well-meaning texts....
PHSE
David Pullar: Scotland’s Traveller legacy
“Let me tell you a little story…” is the way author David Pullar starts many of his answers....
Interview
Elmer: beautiful joker offering big life lessons
Pat ElliottWestminster SLS Librarian’s view: I work with London school children as both a librarian and heritage educator, and regularly meet pupils with special needs as well as those from diverse cultural and social backgrounds. It n...
PHSE
Is it a school library if there aren’t any books?
Do school libraries need physical books? This is a question that some schools are pondering, and something SLS has been discussing with our school librarians at our regular network meetings....
Cross-curriculum
Promoting Peace and Resilience in Times of Conflict
Coverage about Ukraine is everywhere for children to hear and pick up; TV and news programmes, parents and carers discussing at the school gate. Abby Buntonsuggests the best ways to use books to develop your children’s resilience....
PHSE
Picture books for maths
This article by Wanda Gajewski from Wandsworth SLS contains some ideas how to teach young children mathematics. ...
STEM
Victoria Williamson: Lessons from The Ugly Duckling
Long stints working teaching with Voluntary Service Overseas, and a travel habit, have inspired Scottish teacher and author Victoria Williamson’s strangely magical adventures which show readers how it feels to be someone else, ranging...
Interview
Big book lessons
Why big books? There is something amazing about big book versions of good children’s books. The large print and bright and colourful illustrations appeal are a sure hook into their content and draw readers into a story and are easy for...
Cross-curriculum
Teaching controversial topics: honest truths found in graphic novels
A round up of the ways graphic novels can help students understand and discuss hard-hitting, and often frightening, current events, from people smuggling to depression....
Young Adult Fiction
International Women’s Day: Break the Bias
Celebrating International Women’s Day (8 March 2022) at school is a great way to help children learn more about this celebration – especially its modern invocation....
PHSE
Alan Gibbons: For the many
Find out more about the author who launched National Libraries Week....
Interview
When pictures tell a thousand words
There are many brilliant picture books written for the KS2 age group and they have so many uses both in the classroom and for general reading....
Picture Books
10 Books to Borrow for Children’s Mental Health Week: 7-13 February 2022
Books remain a key resource for teachers looking for support with mental health as a topic in lessons and also for ways to encourage emotional literacy and resilience in the children they teach. ...
PHSE
Nina Simon: Recognition of a career bringing libraries to life
Just how much do you need to love books to be a librarian? Manager of Redbridge SLS Nina Simon explains to Nicola Baird....
Interview
Let’s Talk About Sex and Relationships in Secondary School Libraries
Abby Bunton from Hampshire SLS assesses how school libraries can do more to be inclusive and open to the presence of sex and relationships in library stock....
PHSE
Is Reading for Pleasure just another tool to improve SATs results?
It is important that schools do what they can to develop reading for pleasure, authentically, without the goals of the wider literacy strategy in mind, says Kathryn Henderson from Durham Learning Resources....
Advice
Hands-on History
This post from Wanda Gajewski, Wandsworth SLS focuses on ways teachers can use objects for effective classroom teaching....
Cross-curriculum
Food for Thought
Ideas for anyone trying to eat more vegan meals this Veganuary from Nina Simon...
PHSE
Future of Primary School Libraries
The future of primary school libraries report, published today by the National Literacy Trust and partners provides a welcome focus on an essential part of primary school life for children....
News
World War Two literature
Laura Bennett from Tower Hamlets SLS looks at classic World War Two literature and an impressive collection of newer titles that will spark debate and conversation....
History
We Are Refugees
At a time when desperate people fleeing the Taliban in Afghanistan is still headline news, it is pertinent to look at the issue of young refugees coming to England and how they are accepted at school writes Nina Simon from Redbridge SLS....
PHSE
The big question: should we introduce a computerised library system into our primary school?
There are some very good library systems on the market (there are also some bad ones), but any system is only as good as the people managing it. Contrary to what the various companies selling these systems want you to believe,...
Cross-curriculum
Challenging Gender Norms
With diversity the new laser focus in schools up and down the country, it’s not a surprise that people are starting to question the unconscious gender bias that can be found in texts....
PHSE
Positive Images of Black Girls and Women in Picture Books
Top picture books showcasing powerful and celebratory stories about Black girls and women picked by Janet Noble, Primary School Librarian at Tower Hamlets....
PHSE
Heroes without a cape and mask
Exploring real-life heroes is a great way of combining the children’s interest in superheroes to spark their curiosity about ordinary people....
Reading
Click Safe
How picture books help children learn about E-safety by Head of Tower Hamlets Library Service, Gillian Harris, MBE....
PHSE
All Join In
Recommended picture books about children with disabilities, chosen by Sylvia Cummins....
Picture Books
Alternative Fairy Tales
Alternative versions of fairy tales can help children understand how the stories came to be told, how they are passed down through generations and how they change over time....
Reading
Life-changing Libraries
Gillian Harris MBE responds to Cressida Cowell's letter to the prime minster about school libraries....
News
Why? A complex world and the ability to think for yourself
Why teach children philosophy? Since philosophy is all about asking questions, children are instinctive ‘’philosophers’’. Philosophy can teach your pupils to think more clearly and to be confident in debates and discussions....
PHSE
Click With Care
This fantastic pack features all the resources which you could need to raise the awareness among KS2 pupils about online risks, safety and behaviour. It will provide interesting topics for discussions about being online and e-safety....
STEM
Meet the Asian Characters in Children’s Fiction for KS2
Books by writers who use their own cultural experiences to create stories with characters that British Asian children will relate to and hook them into reading....
Young Adult Fiction
Beyond The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas
Anyone reading usually believes that what they read has a background of truth, even if the characters are fiction, says Nina Simon. Here she looks at the many faults with The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas and suggests some books that...
Young Adult Fiction
Diversifying the Teaching of Space Exploration at KS1 and KS2
The books selected by Gillian Harris will ensure children can celebrate the achievements of men and women from different backgrounds and nationalities, find role models they can identify with and be inspired by their successes when...
Science
Growing Pains: How Books Can Inspire a Growth Mindset
All children have their own beliefs about their abilities and potential when confronted with change. Change is always happening....
PHSE
Short and Sweet: The Joys of Story Collections
Short stories are a brilliant way to fill a few spare minutes, whilst also engaging with reluctant readers and exposing children to world stories. They can be excellent fun for the storyteller too....
Picture BooksReading
Are Babies Too Little for Books?
It is never too early to give a child a book. They don’t even need to be able to sit up. Prop them on your knee and as soon as their eyes begin to focus, babies will look at a picture with interest. Helen Oxenbury’s board books, All...
Reading
How Far has Your Food Travelled Today?
All over the world, people are working to protect our planet in new and exciting ways. Spark classroom curiosity about the 4,500 Fairtrade mark products being sold in the UK. Inspired by the ‘Fair Trade’ text by Jillian Powell, the...
Cross-curriculum
Lonely or alone? Building resilience in young children through picture books
Feelings of loneliness are normal, and many children suffer from some form of isolation writes Wanda Gajewski from SLS Wandsworth. Give your children a reassurance that at certain times in our lives we will all experience feelings of...
PHSE
Reflecting Realities: The Importance of Books that Mirror Cultures
Children from ethnic minorities in our schools are in danger of going through school life never being able to identify with characters in the literature they read. Reading ideas by Gillian Harris about books to use in classroom story...
Reading
An interview with Sonia Blandford
Sonia Blandford is the founder and CEO of Achievement for All. A prolific author, Sonia’s titles include the brilliantly honest Born to Fail? Social Mobility, A Working Class View....
Interview
Not So Fantastic Plastic
This article by Nina Simon explores pointers about what your class can do together to reduce plastic waste and protect our planet....
STEM
Saying Goodbye
With carefully chosen literature about loss and grief, in particular the much-loved picture book Badger’s parting gift, you can start a discussion that explores the cycle of life and enables you to craft lasting memories with children....
PHSE
Lighting the Way: The Match Girls Strike of 1888
This is a local history study which looks at the tough lives and dangerous work of the Match Girls of Bow and how they changed working conditions for themselves and for unskilled workers everywhere writes Gillian Harris from SLS Tower...
History
Scientific Breakthrough: STEM-focused female role models in young adult fiction
A list of 12 brilliant Young Adult fiction titles with strong female characters who all have an interest in science, technology and maths (ie, a STEM focus) found by Nina Simon from SLS Redbridge....
Young Adult Fiction
An interview with Chitra Soundar
Chitra Soundar is the author of more than 40 books for children who identifies as a “dreamer, bookworm, writer, author, storyteller” and has a real passion for picture books with stories you want to read aloud....
Interview
The Shahnameh Box: Discover Iran’s culture, stories and skills
Iran is bursting with stories – stories you can use to explore the history, geography and music of the country as well as add a global slant to maths, literacy and science topics says Gillian Harris from SLS Tower Hamlets who...
Cross-curriculum