Dr Roger McDonald is Associate Professor of Primary Education (Literacy) in the School of Education at the University of Greenwich. His work focuses on reading for pleasure, the pedagogy of imagination, the power of picturebooks, drama education, and the role of emotion in teaching. He leads the University’s reading for pleasure work in partnership with the Open University and mentors teachers and teacher educators on developing research-informed reading cultures. Roger has extensive experience as a primary teacher and school leader, holds a National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH), and is a past President of the United Kingdom Literacy Association. His research and professional projects explore literacy, teacher-researcher practice, and creative pedagogies that support children’s engagement with texts.
Key note lecture: Reading for Pleasure: Developing a RfP pedagogy
Drawing on my work with The Open University’s Reading for Pleasure (RfP) programme this lecture will examine what we know about effective reading cultures in schools and why pleasure, choice, and teacher knowledge of children’s literature are central to success.
The session will challenge narrow, skills-driven approaches to reading and instead highlight practical, evidence-informed strategies that schools can use to nurture enthusiastic, motivated readers. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of the research base underpinning reading for pleasure and actionable ideas to embed it meaningfully within everyday classroom practice and whole-school culture.
