World Book Day Activities Aligned with the Primary National Curriculum that Support Reading for Pleasure
We are taking World Book Day quite literally this year and looking at books about our favourite topic….erm, books! And we’re doing it in style with book recommendations plus two lesson resources (KS1 and KS2) that link directly with the statutory PSHE/RSHE curriculum. Designed by teachers, this post will give you everything you need to celebrate World Book Day in an impactful and fun way.
Why World Book Day is Important in Classrooms Today
The stats don’t lie, we know that reading dramatically increases children’s academic achievements as well as their emotional wellbeing and relationships. Reading for pleasure is on the decline and World Book Day provides a perfect opportunity to start a conversation about reading, so that even the most reluctant of readers can get back into stories.
We know one day of lovely celebrations and fancy dress can’t fix it all, but it can get the ball rolling (and the pages turning!).
A World Book Day Inspired Lesson Resource for Key Stage One
Based on the wonderful ‘Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book’ by Julia Donaldson, this lesson puts stories at the very heart of the conversation.
It helps to support children’s understanding of what they and their friends like to read, promoting reading for pleasure and connection.
Easy to implement and fun to teach, this is a great 30-40 session for World Book Day to use with Key Stage One. You could even adapt it for an assembly.
A Book-Led Lesson for Key Stage Two to use on World Book Day
Taking inspiration from the incredible ‘Matilda’ by Roald Dahl, this lesson will support children’s understanding of how reading can benefit our wellbeing.
Packed with opportunities for discussion, this is a great 30-40 minute lesson that will spark excitement for reading.
How Our Lessons Align with the National Curriculum
We’re passionate about supporting schools to improve wellbeing and literacy in a way that slots neatly into the curriculum. That’s why our full primary programme covers all the statutory RSHE guidelines (July 2025) and is designed to make teaching easy.
In our World Book Day resources, we’ve covered some key topics that support children’s personal development and RSHE learning:
- Caring Friendships – The characteristics of friendships that lead to happiness and security, including mutual respect, honesty, trustworthiness, loyalty, kindness, generosity, trust, sharing interests and experiences, and support with problems and difficulties.
- Respectful, Kind Relationships – The importance of self-respect and how this links to their own happiness. Pupils should have opportunities to think about how they foster their own self-esteem and build a strong sense of their own identity, including through developing skills and interests.
- General Wellbeing – Simple self-care techniques, including the importance of rest, time spent with friends and family, as well as hobbies, interests and community participation.
So you can teach the lessons knowing that children will be enjoying their learning and covering important areas of the curriculum!
Powerful Books that Celebrate Reading for Primary Classrooms
If our teacher-crafted lessons weren’t enough, we have also pulled together some of our favourite books about books! So you can really maximize the impact of World Book Day…
Never Show a T-Rex a Book by Rashmi Sirdeshpande
Age range: EYFS/KS1
A silly and adorable book about a dinosaur and her first experience of books.
Story Dog by Jan Fearnley
Age range: EYFS/KS1
A very sweet story about a little boy who finds it difficult to read out loud. Perfect for children who struggle to find their voice when reading.
A Child of Books by Oliver Jeffers and Sam Winston
Age range: KS1/KS2
A lyrical and imaginative book about the power of stories. If Oliver Jeffers is involved, you know it’s going to be good.
The Bookshop Cat by Cindy Wume
Age range: KS1
A story about a cat that rebuilds the children’s bookshop with the help of his friends and family. With themes of friendship and community, this book shows us the importance of working together.
I Love Books by Mariajo Ilustrajo
Age range: KS1
Perfect for reluctant readers and kids who think books aren’t for them.
Little People, Big Dreams: Hans Christian Anderson
Age range: KS1/KS2
A fascinating exploration in to the life of author, Hans Christian Anderson and his love of stories and writing.
Pages and Co by Anna James
Age range: KS2
The most magical of fantasy books about a young girl who discovers she can bring characters from the page to real life!
About The Story Project
An award-winning social enterprise using the magic of stories to improve children’s wellbeing and literacy in schools. Led by high-quality, popular books and rooted in the latest research, we have remarkable impact from Nursery to Year 8 with our fully resourced curriculums created by teachers that meet all the statutory RSHE guidance (July 2025)
