Wrexham TRG – an update from Simon Fisher

The enthusiastic Wrexham group have been focussed on developing professional knowledge around Reading for Pleasure. Members have embraced the challenge of reading more widely and more deeply in order to engage with and recommend to school readers. Look out for new research-informed examples of practice on developing pupil choice, enhancing library visits with Early Years, starting a book club, 'windows and mirrors', and podcasting. Along with the other groups in Wales, we've also worked on our own awareness of books by Welsh authors and books with authentic Welsh contexts. Developing this kind of diversity has proven beneficial in building our reading communities. From our Wales book box we've all particularly enjoyed The Train to Impossible Places (Usborne) by PG Bell, a fun fantasy adventure featuring troll-driven trains and exploding nuclear bananas – with echoes of Faraway Tree and heavily influenced by Terry Pratchett and Doctor Who, this is an excellent read which has fostered Reading for Pleasure amongst pupils and staff.