Inclusive Literacy, New Chapters: Celebrating Progress and Looking Ahead
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.
Happy 2nd Birthday to Teaching Reading to All Learners!
Make it stand out
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Firstly, I want to celebrate that two years ago this book made its way into the world! And what a journey it has been! A huge THANK YOU to everyone who has read, reviewed, shared, and supported it. Your passion for inclusive education has helped create real change for so many learners.
And now, exciting news… Book 2 is in the final planning stages!
This time, I’ll be co-authoring Teaching Writing to All Learners with the amazing Claire Harrison, featuring insights from some fantastic guest experts. We can’t wait to share more soon! Please get in touch if you have stories to add to the book. Contact details at the bottom of this blog.
Check out our first team photo below!
To celebrate, enjoy 20% off with code below!
It doesn't stop there! Here is a free Wakelet to celebrate: Wakelet Collection - Writing for All!
Check out some of mine, Ginny's and Dales thoughts here :) https://thesendcast.com/foundations-of-early-literacy-what-are-the-building-blocks/
It Starts with Access
Inclusive literacy begins with inclusive access. That means thinking deeply about how our children access books, language, and print. Are texts accessible in terms of layout, vocabulary, and content? Do learners see themselves in the stories they read? Are we offering multiple pathways to comprehension—visual, verbal, auditory, and sensory?
This is where we need to start asking ourselves: what makes a text truly inclusive?
I’d love to hear from you—educators, families, and young readers themselves. What features or formats make a difference to you or the children you support? Are there books that just work for your setting? Your ideas could help shape the future of inclusive publishing.
Creating Opportunities to Be Read
Literacy isn’t just about consuming words—it’s about producing them. Every learner should be given the opportunity to create print that can be read, shared, and celebrated. Whether through drawing, typing, symbol-supported writing, or oral storytelling, learners need accessible routes to authorship.
Inclusive literacy is about voice. Let’s create meaningful opportunities for learners to express themselves in their own way, using tools that work for them. It’s not about one perfect sentence—it’s about being heard.
Quick Tips: Supporting Reluctant or Emergent Writers
Here are some easy, accessible ways to support writing at home and in school:
Encourage writing in various meaningful formats—like notes, emails, jokes, clues, instructions, creative stories and more—to spark interest.
Check out the brilliant blog from Clicker https://cricksoft.com/supporting-writing-in-early-years/
Use writing prompts and graphic organisers to help structure thoughts and ideas.
Allow choice in writing topics and genres to foster personal expression and engagement.
Celebrate every writing effort—whether it’s a single sentence or a complete story.
Assistive Technology: What’s in Your Toolkit?
I’ve been writing a mini guide on how assistive technology can reduce barriers to writing. One section explores my Top 10 Tools for supporting literacy and I would love to know what’s your go-to assistive tech tool in the classroom or at home? Is there an app, feature, or software you couldn’t do without?
Drop me a comment or message with your favourites—I’d love to build a community-sourced toolkit alongside the guide!
What’s Coming Up?
There’s so much to look forward to next term. I’ll be working with schools, delivering CPD, and presenting at:
You can also read my recent piece for Parenta Magazine: Parenta April 2025 – Inclusive Early Literacy
I am currently watching these great podcasts too ➡️ Watch here – YouTube clip
Let’s keep the conversation going.
Inclusive literacy isn’t a destination—it’s a journey we take together, adapting and growing with every learner!
Happy Easter all!
Sarah x