We have a new printable poster with QR code links for upcoming Professional Learning sessions which schools can print for the staff room/notice board. https://highlandliteracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/PL-termly-poster-2-1.pdf

The first round of Read Write Count resources for this year are now available on the website, including:

• Teacher packs for Primary 2 and Primary 3 (teacher letter, cross curricular activities, printable activity sheets)
• Library packs for Primary 2 and 3 (ideas for sessions, activities/crafts, printable activity sheets)
• Webinars on Making the most of the P2 bag and Making the most of the P3 bag
• A page for families at home with 50 ideas for their bags, plus some activity sheets

An article on Top tips for sharing picture books at home

Unleash the magic of books and reading by joining our Reading Schools community!

Research proves that reading for pleasure supports equity and wellbeing, impacts learners’ attainment, and encourages critical thinking, creativity, empathy and resilience.

Reading Schools is an accreditation programme for schools that are committing to building a reading culture for their learners and communities.

Through Reading Schools, you can access practical resources and friendly support to help build your reading culture and connect with hundreds of schools across Scotland who have already seen transformational changes to their settings, staff and learners.

There are now 90 schools in Highland at some stage of their accreditation journey with over 600 schools accredited across Scotland.

Reading Schools is open to all schools in Scotland!

Visit our website to find out more about starting your accreditation.

You can also contact your Scottish Book Trust Regional Outreach Co-ordinator for more information and support at jen.grainge@scottishbooktrust.com

Scottish Book Trust,Sandeman House, Trunk’s Close, 55 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1SR, Scottish charity, SC027669 

Emerging literacy refers to the skills, knowledge, and attitudes that children develop about reading, writing, communication, and language before they become conventional readers and writers. These early experiences form the foundation for later literacy development and include activities such as listening to stories, exploring books, engaging in conversations, drawing, mark-making, and developing phonological awareness.

It is important to support emerging literacy skills in a developmentally appropriate way, recognising that children learn at different rates and through a variety of meaningful, and play-based experiences. Effective practice builds on children’s interests, strengths, and cultural backgrounds while providing rich opportunities for communication, language development, and early literacy exploration. When literacy experiences are aligned with children’s developmental stages, they promote confidence, motivation, and a lifelong love of reading and learning. Conversely, introducing formal literacy expectations too early can create frustration and reduce engagement. A developmentally appropriate approach ensures that literacy learning is enjoyable, inclusive, and responsive to each child’s individual needs.

If you would like to explore this further, or refresh your knowledge on Emerging Literacy, take a look at the information and resources on https://highlandliteracy.com/emerging-literacy/  or join us in the sessions listed below, where we will learn from experts and share ideas, resources and activities. 

Mon 14 Sept 2026 (In-service Day) 9:30 to 15:30 (Venue to be announced)

This whole day session is to train those who have not had training in Emerging Literacy or those wishing to take a lead on regional support networks in Emerging Literacy.

The following sessions will be online and will cover the main areas of Emerging Literacy.

1. Phonological Awareness 26/08/26

2. Oral Language                      30/09/26

3. Concepts of Print                11/11/26

4. Pencil Control                        02/12/26

Sign up through our CPD portal or contact jenny.wilson@highland.gov.uk

Information to pass on to schools

• We have a ‘What is Read Write Count with the First Minister’ live webinar on Wednesday 15 June 4-4.45pm – an introductory session. You can register .

• Our online resources and pre-recorded webinars on ‘Making the Most of your P2 and P3 bags’ and Gifting your Read Write Count bags’ will be available from August 2026. Resources include mind maps, worksheets and read along videos. If your school would like support from Scottish Book Trust via online or in person PL sessions, please get in touch at readwritecount@scottishbooktrust.com

• Bags will be delivered to your school between August and October 2026. Please count your bags immediately once they arrive and get in touch with your lead contact (Jenny.wilson@highland.gov.uk)  in case you require any extras. We hope that you will gift them to families during Reading Schools Week, 16 – 20 November 2026.

All our contact information and related resources are online at https://www.scottishbooktrust.com/reading-and-stories/read-write-count

Reading Schools Week returns

Have you heard the news? Reading Schools Week is back with a fresh new date!   Following the success of our first Reading Schools Week in February, we’re excited to invite your school to register for the next Reading Schools Week, taking place 16–20 November 2026!   You may be aware that Book Week Scotland, Scottish Book Trust’s annual celebration of books and reading previously took place in November. This is moving to 14–20 June 2027.    Bookbug Primary 1 Family Bag gifting and Primary 2 and 3 Read Write Count with the First Minister bag gifting will continue to take place in November, during Reading Schools Week.   Reading Schools Week is open to every school in Scotland. Register now to take part!

Tuesday 12 May, 4 – 5.30pm on MS Teams

Join this free online session to explore how to take an anti-racist approach to reading, writing, listening and talking at First to Fourth Levels. You’ll be introduced to the new Anti-Racist Literacy (ARL) Framework, learn how it can be applied across a range of genres and texts, and explore practical, classroom-ready teaching materials.

This professional learning session is open to primary and secondary teachers across the North of Scotland.

For more info and to book a place see Eventbrite

Wednesday 18 March, 4 – 5.30pm on MS Teams

Join us to explore how to take an Anti-Racist approach to reading, writing, listening and talking at First to Fourth Levels.

Learn about the new Anti-Racist Literacy (ARL) Framework, and how this can be applied to different genres to explore identity, power, race and racism. Reflect on ways in which anti-racist learning in literacy can move outside the classroom and to taking social action and civic participation in the wider community. Explore classroom-ready teaching materials, including materials for SQA Level, and consider ways in which the ARL approach can be applied to any text in your setting.

For more info and to register: 

Bookbug training

The Scottish Book trust is offering training which include, practical activities, group discussions and up-to-date research and policy information, with a fun and relaxed approach

Free early years courses

Below is our offering for people who work in the early years and want to lead Bookbug activities with families – run by our expert team and funded by Scottish Government and Creative Scotland’s Youth Music Initiative at no cost to the attendee. Click the links to book or find out more.

Bookbug Training – Free Early Years Courses – Scottish Book Trust

Books have the power to shape the way children see themselves and the world. They can act as mirrors that reflect what we know about ourselves and the world we live in. They can also act as windows into worlds and experiences that are different to our own.

We have boxes of our recommended books for each level that can be loaned out for free to settings and schools in the Inverness area. If you would like to borrow a box of books, please contact info@highlandoneworld.org.uk.  Please also get in touch if you find this resource useful, as we’d love to hear from you.

We’re delivering free professional learning sessions based on this resource.

• Online on 7 May 2025 4.30-5.30pm Book via Eventbrite
• Face to face at Inverness Royal Academy on Monday 2 June (In service day) 10am – 11.30am. Book via Highland Council CPD site ID: 90103.

For more information, please visit: https://highlandoneworld.org.uk/for-teachers/resources/mirrors-windows-developing-anti-racist-education-through-books/