Recent research by the Arts Council England (ACE) revealed that many teachers are not confident in promoting children’s literature and lack an awareness of it (Looking Glass to Spy Glass, ACE, 2003). It also showed that only a minority of teachers read widely for pleasure themselves. Combined with this, teachers are not taking advantage of the expertise of children’s and school librarians or libraries.
In response, ACE joined with the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) and the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) to fund a national programme to enthuse trainee teachers about children’s literature and to enable them to see the creative potential of using library services. This programme is Literature Matters.
National project aims
Literature Matters aligns with the Poet Laureate’s Literature Entitlement recommendation that ‘every child has the right to read and write creatively’. It recognises that trainee teachers have been well equipped for working with literacy strategies but that this has created a weighty focus on the 'skills' involved in literacy. Literature Matters redresses the balance with the aims:
- To increase knowledge of children’s books and libraries in initial teacher training – with reference to diversity
- To increase confidence in promoting children’s books and using libraries in initial teacher training
- To enhance links between Initial Teacher Trainer (ITT) providers and libraries and the literature sector
South East Literature Matters Programme
Quick facts for the South East Literature Matters programme:
- There were 9 pilot projects: 4 for secondary trainees and 5 for primary trainees
- All projects focused on book awards: national, local and combined
- All projects had a diversity focus on visual impairment
- There were 6 School Library Services (SLS) and 9 ITT providers involved in the project
- ITT providers included: 7 HE, 1 SCITT and 1 Training School (GTP)
- 1200 English trainee participants were involved
- Two projects had 3 – 4 partners
- The project became integral assessed course work in some HEs
- Each project was individually designed in SLS/ITT
- Partnership to allow for maximum flexibility and creativity
‘In the short term trainees said the sessions were having an impact on their lesson planning and delivery in placement schools. In the longer term, they expressed an increased understanding and confidence in using libraries and book awards in their first teaching posts.’
Ruth Evans, Deputy Headteacher, Waingels College.
Read about the 9 pilot projects in the case study and Literature Matters report at the bottom of the screen. More detailed information about some of the projects is available to the right of the screen.
Contact details
Sharon Sperling, consultant, email: sparrows@f2s.com.
Further information
The MLA website has a 'Literature Matters' area which contains full details of the project and is intended for use by:
- Literature Matters regional agency leads
- Literature Matters steering groups
- Library partners
