Switching on reading through tech
)
As a deputy headteacher and as trustee with Technology Books for Children, I see first-hand how reading and technology can interconnect to spark curiosity and fuel a desire to discover more about our changing world through books. As we prepare for the National Year of Reading, we are developing an approach that connects literacy with technology in both meaningful and sustainable ways.
The TECH Book Calendar from Technology Books for Children
Central to our work is the TECH Book Calendar, created by Technology Books for Children. This calendar links technology awareness events, such as Safer Internet Day, International Girls in ICT Day, and National Coding Week, with major reading celebrations including World Book Day and National Storytelling Week.
This clear structure has enabled us to build a joined-up approach to reading that aligns directly with our technology curriculum and vision for children as readers. In addition, Technology Books for Children offers a growing collection of tech book reviews and a blog promoting reading for purpose. These resources broaden reading opportunities for both staff and pupils with particular technological interests.
Plugging into reading with real purpose
A key priority is promoting reading for purpose and pleasure. We want children to understand that reading is not only enjoyable, but also a vital tool for creating, designing, and discovering. The TECH Book Calendar supports us in selecting and showcasing texts that align with wider curriculum themes and national events so that pupils can see a clear link between what they read and what they do. Reading at its core, provides a door into a new, unexperienced world of imagination and knowledge. It is therefore critical as educators, in our rapidly advancing, technological world, that we provide the keys to unlock understanding and new experiences with technology.
One successful example is our use of micro:bits alongside the book “Coding with the Micro:bit” by Dan Aldred. The book breaks coding into achievable steps and gives pupils a solid reason to read before experimenting. After reading sections together, children built digital pets, message boards, step counters, and simple games.
“I like reading the coding book because it helps me understand what to do before I try it on the micro:bit, I also like the ideas and examples which I might not have thought of without reading this book.”
Year 4 pupil
Tech Reading Ambassadors and pupil leadership
Our Reading Ambassadors already play an important role in promoting reading. We are now expanding their role to champion technology-themed books too. Over the coming months, they will:
- Create book displays linked to key TECH Book Calendar events
- Give technology book recommendations in assemblies
- Help staff pick class reads that connect with technology themes and the TECH Book Calendar
- Write short book reviews for the school newsletter
This pupil leadership supports a lasting culture of not just tech-themed reading but reading for a variety of purposes.
“I am excited to help choose tech books for our displays and assemblies.”
Year 6 pupil
Transforming the school library experience
We have a vision to set up a dedicated technology-themed section in the school library. It will include coding books, guides to AI and robotics, graphic novels about innovators and engineers, and non-fiction on computing, space, and digital futures.
The Tech Book Calendar has inspired a change in the way that we will promote reading within our own school library. As a school, we are now looking to inspire and showcase reading through book themed events across the year. This means that when classes visit throughout the academic year, they will have the opportunity to experience books in different ways and discover different themed books matched to national events.
Connecting curriculum and culture
The TECH Book Calendar allows us to weave reading into wider curriculum experiences too. As a school, we are already planning exciting ways to use the TECH Book Calendar to bring reading to life across the curriculum. For example:
- During International Women’s Day, pupils will dive into stories and biographies celebrating the achievements of women in technology.
- On National Unplugging Day, children will explore books and activities that encourage creativity, reflection, and hands-on problem-solving away from screens.
- For National App Day, pupils will discover texts that inspire coding, app creation, and digital innovation.
This approach aims to help pupils see reading not as a separate activity but as part of a broader learning journey. Technology, literacy, and personal interests feed into one another and our part of own individual journeys of discovery in our rapidly changing technological world.
Next steps and family engagement
Our next focus is involving families more closely. We plan to run a parent workshop using micro:bits, where parents and children read short extracts from Coding with the Micro:bit before building a simple project together. This supports digital confidence at home and shows families that reading can lead into creative technology.
Looking ahead
Technology-themed books have opened a new pathway into reading for many pupils. They provide motivation, connect reading to real outcomes, and help children view themselves as creators who can build, design, and explore. As we move into the National Year of Reading, the TECH Book Calendar gives us a clear framework for linking literacy with technology. It helps us foster a culture where reading inspires problem-solving, creativity, and future thinking.
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=logo}
)
)
)
)
){kind=logo}
){kind=logo}
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=logo}
)
){kind=logo}
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=logo}
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=logo}
)
)
)
){kind=logo}
){kind=logo}
){kind=logo}
)
)
){kind=logo}
)