Matthew Courtney
@mattcourtney.bsky.social
👨🏻🏫 Director of Wandle Learning Partnership
🚀 Interested in Reading for Pleasure and children’s poetry
🚀 Interested in Reading for Pleasure and children’s poetry
Reposted by Matthew Courtney
Are you joining us for our upcoming webinar about the importance of book choice in primary schools?
We'll be joined by our Writer in Residence Matt Goodfellow and @debbiethomas.bsky.social from @openuni-rfp.bsky.social for research, practical insights and more 👇
https://bit.ly/4qvcFv8
We'll be joined by our Writer in Residence Matt Goodfellow and @debbiethomas.bsky.social from @openuni-rfp.bsky.social for research, practical insights and more 👇
https://bit.ly/4qvcFv8
October 28, 2025 at 6:08 PM
Are you joining us for our upcoming webinar about the importance of book choice in primary schools?
We'll be joined by our Writer in Residence Matt Goodfellow and @debbiethomas.bsky.social from @openuni-rfp.bsky.social for research, practical insights and more 👇
https://bit.ly/4qvcFv8
We'll be joined by our Writer in Residence Matt Goodfellow and @debbiethomas.bsky.social from @openuni-rfp.bsky.social for research, practical insights and more 👇
https://bit.ly/4qvcFv8
I’ve never really ‘got’ Where the Wild Things Are
Tell me your most unhinged literary opinion, as a little treat
October 13, 2025 at 8:31 PM
I’ve never really ‘got’ Where the Wild Things Are
Reposted by Matthew Courtney
Help discover the next generation of storytellers!
Love reading stories? BBC 500 Words is looking for teachers, teaching assistants, SEND staff, and library staff to help read and judge stories written by children aged 5 – 11.
👉 Find out more and sign up here: buff.ly/zQYuq8G
Love reading stories? BBC 500 Words is looking for teachers, teaching assistants, SEND staff, and library staff to help read and judge stories written by children aged 5 – 11.
👉 Find out more and sign up here: buff.ly/zQYuq8G
October 7, 2025 at 12:00 PM
Help discover the next generation of storytellers!
Love reading stories? BBC 500 Words is looking for teachers, teaching assistants, SEND staff, and library staff to help read and judge stories written by children aged 5 – 11.
👉 Find out more and sign up here: buff.ly/zQYuq8G
Love reading stories? BBC 500 Words is looking for teachers, teaching assistants, SEND staff, and library staff to help read and judge stories written by children aged 5 – 11.
👉 Find out more and sign up here: buff.ly/zQYuq8G
Reposted by Matthew Courtney
Hooray! Today’s the day! Jump straight to these pages of resources to pick a poem to share with your classes - lots of choices for EY, KS 1,2,3,4 & 5. @poetrydayuk.bsky.social forwardartsfoundation.org/national-poe...
Poems and Resources - Forward Arts Foundation
A selection of poems and resources for children and young people that can be used to inspire on National Poetry Day and all year round!
forwardartsfoundation.org
October 2, 2025 at 6:26 AM
Hooray! Today’s the day! Jump straight to these pages of resources to pick a poem to share with your classes - lots of choices for EY, KS 1,2,3,4 & 5. @poetrydayuk.bsky.social forwardartsfoundation.org/national-poe...
Reposted by Matthew Courtney
FREE EMC TWILIGHT
We can't wait for this free event at our Webber Street base featuring two of our favourite writers. Book your place on our website while tickets are available @darrenchetty.bsky.social @theclpe.bsky.social @literacy-trust.bsky.social
We can't wait for this free event at our Webber Street base featuring two of our favourite writers. Book your place on our website while tickets are available @darrenchetty.bsky.social @theclpe.bsky.social @literacy-trust.bsky.social
September 22, 2025 at 3:16 PM
FREE EMC TWILIGHT
We can't wait for this free event at our Webber Street base featuring two of our favourite writers. Book your place on our website while tickets are available @darrenchetty.bsky.social @theclpe.bsky.social @literacy-trust.bsky.social
We can't wait for this free event at our Webber Street base featuring two of our favourite writers. Book your place on our website while tickets are available @darrenchetty.bsky.social @theclpe.bsky.social @literacy-trust.bsky.social
Reposted by Matthew Courtney
Aged 5-25 and looking for poetry magazines, competitions, or writing groups? Check out our Poetry Opportunities database on Young Poets Network: ypn.poetrysociety.org.uk/poetry-opportunities/
August 10, 2025 at 11:01 AM
Aged 5-25 and looking for poetry magazines, competitions, or writing groups? Check out our Poetry Opportunities database on Young Poets Network: ypn.poetrysociety.org.uk/poetry-opportunities/
Reposted by Matthew Courtney
So @letterboxlibrary.bsky.social are offering a 'Beyond the Secret Garden' book pack. 1 BTSG book, 24 discounted children's books & some specially written discussion plans and a voucher for training with
@ksandsoconnor.bsky.social
and me! More here:
www.letterboxlibrary.com/product-page...
@ksandsoconnor.bsky.social
and me! More here:
www.letterboxlibrary.com/product-page...
BEYOND THE SECRET GARDEN PACK Primary Key Stage 1 & 2 (Ages 5-11) *25 Books* | Letterbox Library
Inspired by the excellent resource book, Beyond the Secret Garden, co-authored by Darren Chetty and Karen Sands-O’Connor, this book pack offers a comprehensive exploration and contextual knowledge of ...
www.letterboxlibrary.com
August 1, 2025 at 7:42 PM
So @letterboxlibrary.bsky.social are offering a 'Beyond the Secret Garden' book pack. 1 BTSG book, 24 discounted children's books & some specially written discussion plans and a voucher for training with
@ksandsoconnor.bsky.social
and me! More here:
www.letterboxlibrary.com/product-page...
@ksandsoconnor.bsky.social
and me! More here:
www.letterboxlibrary.com/product-page...
I'm about to set off on a month-long Reading for Pleasure research journey as part of my Churchill Fellowship!
I’m exploring how EdTech, AI and wider initiatives are helping children and young people develop both the skills of reading and a love of reading.
I’m exploring how EdTech, AI and wider initiatives are helping children and young people develop both the skills of reading and a love of reading.
July 22, 2025 at 7:20 AM
I'm about to set off on a month-long Reading for Pleasure research journey as part of my Churchill Fellowship!
I’m exploring how EdTech, AI and wider initiatives are helping children and young people develop both the skills of reading and a love of reading.
I’m exploring how EdTech, AI and wider initiatives are helping children and young people develop both the skills of reading and a love of reading.
Reposted by Matthew Courtney
July 15, 2025 at 9:34 AM
Reposted by Matthew Courtney
Do share - The Summer Reading Challenge launches 🚀 today! At your local library! 📚 @jonnybid.bsky.social @whatsfsaid.bsky.social @smithsmm.bsky.social @rcharlesworth.bsky.social
July 5, 2025 at 4:59 PM
Do share - The Summer Reading Challenge launches 🚀 today! At your local library! 📚 @jonnybid.bsky.social @whatsfsaid.bsky.social @smithsmm.bsky.social @rcharlesworth.bsky.social
Reposted by Matthew Courtney
We are so, so grateful to Matthew ❤️
It was great to run the Hackney Half last week, raising money for @booktrust.org.uk (and to get my first sub-2hr half marathon!) 🏃🏻📚
May 27, 2025 at 6:26 AM
We are so, so grateful to Matthew ❤️
It was great to run the Hackney Half last week, raising money for @booktrust.org.uk (and to get my first sub-2hr half marathon!) 🏃🏻📚
May 23, 2025 at 6:00 PM
It was great to run the Hackney Half last week, raising money for @booktrust.org.uk (and to get my first sub-2hr half marathon!) 🏃🏻📚
Reposted by Matthew Courtney
My first ever picture book is out May 1st. A lovely review
-and link to order - here: www.letterboxlibrary.com/product-page...
I'm Going to Make A Friend is illustrated by the amazing
Sandhya Prabhat and published by
@littletigeruk.bsky.social
-and link to order - here: www.letterboxlibrary.com/product-page...
I'm Going to Make A Friend is illustrated by the amazing
Sandhya Prabhat and published by
@littletigeruk.bsky.social
April 16, 2025 at 12:00 PM
My first ever picture book is out May 1st. A lovely review
-and link to order - here: www.letterboxlibrary.com/product-page...
I'm Going to Make A Friend is illustrated by the amazing
Sandhya Prabhat and published by
@littletigeruk.bsky.social
-and link to order - here: www.letterboxlibrary.com/product-page...
I'm Going to Make A Friend is illustrated by the amazing
Sandhya Prabhat and published by
@littletigeruk.bsky.social
Reposted by Matthew Courtney
We thought we might start a blog series…
…and so we shall. If you want to get ahead, just sign up as a site member.
…and so we shall. If you want to get ahead, just sign up as a site member.
April 15, 2025 at 12:35 PM
We thought we might start a blog series…
…and so we shall. If you want to get ahead, just sign up as a site member.
…and so we shall. If you want to get ahead, just sign up as a site member.
Reposted by Matthew Courtney
The Reading Comprehension Advocacy Network (RCAN) is a group of researchers, teachers, leaders and members of the education sector committed to ensuring reading comprehension is central to the curriculum and teaching.
Find out what we do here:
wp.lancs.ac.uk/rcan/
Find out what we do here:
wp.lancs.ac.uk/rcan/
Reading Comprehension Advocacy Network
wp.lancs.ac.uk
April 9, 2025 at 10:55 AM
The Reading Comprehension Advocacy Network (RCAN) is a group of researchers, teachers, leaders and members of the education sector committed to ensuring reading comprehension is central to the curriculum and teaching.
Find out what we do here:
wp.lancs.ac.uk/rcan/
Find out what we do here:
wp.lancs.ac.uk/rcan/
Reposted by Matthew Courtney
Have you been too busy to keep up with what's been happening in the world of children's books?
Here's my latest round up to help you. Awards, free events, book reviews and more. Happy reading! 📚#UKKidLit
alibrarylady.blog/2025/04/05/r...
Here's my latest round up to help you. Awards, free events, book reviews and more. Happy reading! 📚#UKKidLit
alibrarylady.blog/2025/04/05/r...
Reading Matters: The Latest Children’s Book News
Welcome to the this month’s look at what has been happening in the world of children’s books. It has been a frantically busy month and some of the items that I have included feel as though th…
alibrarylady.blog
April 5, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Have you been too busy to keep up with what's been happening in the world of children's books?
Here's my latest round up to help you. Awards, free events, book reviews and more. Happy reading! 📚#UKKidLit
alibrarylady.blog/2025/04/05/r...
Here's my latest round up to help you. Awards, free events, book reviews and more. Happy reading! 📚#UKKidLit
alibrarylady.blog/2025/04/05/r...
Reposted by Matthew Courtney
Displaying the covers of some of the fantastic books published each year is a simple way to interest children and get them thinking about their future reading. There's real value in the book talk it enables.
There's a link to a folder containing the covers I used on my Padlet: shorturl.at/JHXO2
There's a link to a folder containing the covers I used on my Padlet: shorturl.at/JHXO2
March 28, 2025 at 6:20 PM
Displaying the covers of some of the fantastic books published each year is a simple way to interest children and get them thinking about their future reading. There's real value in the book talk it enables.
There's a link to a folder containing the covers I used on my Padlet: shorturl.at/JHXO2
There's a link to a folder containing the covers I used on my Padlet: shorturl.at/JHXO2
At Wandle English Hub, we are delighted to be working with @britishlibrary.bsky.social to organise a fully-funded conference on Reading for Pleasure, social justice & opportunity taking place on Friday 4th July.
The conference is fully-funded. Tickets and details: bit.ly/TurningPagesChangingFutures
The conference is fully-funded. Tickets and details: bit.ly/TurningPagesChangingFutures
March 27, 2025 at 10:46 AM
At Wandle English Hub, we are delighted to be working with @britishlibrary.bsky.social to organise a fully-funded conference on Reading for Pleasure, social justice & opportunity taking place on Friday 4th July.
The conference is fully-funded. Tickets and details: bit.ly/TurningPagesChangingFutures
The conference is fully-funded. Tickets and details: bit.ly/TurningPagesChangingFutures
Reposted by Matthew Courtney
On Tuesday 25th March, @ksandsoconnor.bsky.social and I will be talking about Beyond the Secret Garden at Brixton Library. It’s a free event. Come along!!
March 19, 2025 at 9:36 AM
On Tuesday 25th March, @ksandsoconnor.bsky.social and I will be talking about Beyond the Secret Garden at Brixton Library. It’s a free event. Come along!!
Reposted by Matthew Courtney
📢Exciting news📢
✨ My new book on disciplinary literacy in primary schools is available for pre-order! 🌟
🔗https://amzn.eu/d/4I9zY4L
Special thanks to all everyone who supported the book.
✨ My new book on disciplinary literacy in primary schools is available for pre-order! 🌟
🔗https://amzn.eu/d/4I9zY4L
Special thanks to all everyone who supported the book.
March 18, 2025 at 6:03 PM
📢Exciting news📢
✨ My new book on disciplinary literacy in primary schools is available for pre-order! 🌟
🔗https://amzn.eu/d/4I9zY4L
Special thanks to all everyone who supported the book.
✨ My new book on disciplinary literacy in primary schools is available for pre-order! 🌟
🔗https://amzn.eu/d/4I9zY4L
Special thanks to all everyone who supported the book.
Reposted by Matthew Courtney
And here's what's in store for the other age categories in the Spark! School Book Awards - so get them in your diaries and submit your pupils' questions!
March 13, 2025 at 10:20 AM
And here's what's in store for the other age categories in the Spark! School Book Awards - so get them in your diaries and submit your pupils' questions!
Looks like a great course for secondary colleagues interested in #ReadingforPleasure
Concerned about Reading for Pleasure/Independent Reading in your school? This @engmediacentre.bsky.social course got rave reviews & is being repeated on Tuesday 18th March. Deadline for signing up is Fri 14th. Full details here: englishandmedia.co.uk/courses/495c04…
March 13, 2025 at 8:41 AM
Looks like a great course for secondary colleagues interested in #ReadingforPleasure
I really enjoyed the first episode of the @mywordsmybook.bsky.social podcast with Joseph Coelho and @laurahallain.bsky.social. It was lovely to hear Joseph reflect on his time as Children’s Laureate, including his Library Marathon and Poetry Prompts @booktrust.org.uk
March 5, 2025 at 8:56 PM
I really enjoyed the first episode of the @mywordsmybook.bsky.social podcast with Joseph Coelho and @laurahallain.bsky.social. It was lovely to hear Joseph reflect on his time as Children’s Laureate, including his Library Marathon and Poetry Prompts @booktrust.org.uk
It was really interesting to join this @openuniversity.bsky.social seminar and hear about @lashaps.bsky.social and Prof. Jessie Ricketts’ work on teaching the skill of reading and fostering reading motivation as children move into secondary school @teresacremin.bsky.social
February 25, 2025 at 8:23 PM
It was really interesting to join this @openuniversity.bsky.social seminar and hear about @lashaps.bsky.social and Prof. Jessie Ricketts’ work on teaching the skill of reading and fostering reading motivation as children move into secondary school @teresacremin.bsky.social