FREE Reading (Reconsidered) Spine for Primary Schools

**UPDATED: 01.09.20 **

This is a FREE reading spine for UK Primary Schools based on ‘Reading Reconsidered’ by Doug Lemov. It is based on his ‘5 Plagues of Reading’ which he feels children should have access to throughout their school lives in order to better comprehend the more challenging texts expected of them in secondary school and beyond. The 5 areas include:

1.) Archaic Texts
2.) Non-Linear Time Sequences
3.) Narratively Complex
4.) Complexity of Plot/Symbolic
5.) Resistant Texts

Having completed the reading spine, it was clear and obvious that, although covering the five plagues is a worthwhile target, there are so many other children’s books which are wonderful to study at a primary level, and so I have also included a quick reference guide to Pie Corbett’s free Scholastic reading spine and a range of other ‘go-to’ resources to help you when selecting the right books for your school. It also ensures schools do not repeat books, books are at an appropriate level and there is a justified theme running through your school’s book choices.

This will hopefully become an ever-evolving document and will be updated regularly so please feel free to leave comments or email me at mracdpresent@gmail.com with other recommendations.

Doug Lemov concludes it succinctly in his book:
“If teachers want to ensure maximum achievement in reading and maximum readiness for college, text selection deserves greater attention and intentionality. This does not mean that every book needs to be selected using a ‘maximum value for learning’ calculation. Some should be; we hope many will. Choosing others sheerly for the pleasure of it or on a lark is fine as long as the overall portfolio of books is intentional and balanced.”

I hope your school finds it useful,
Mr D