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David Appleyard

David Appleyard

David has over a decade of experience in early years and reading as a school governor and EYFS lead. He's spent 20+ years working in online education for Envato and Design Shack, teaching creative and technical skills to millions (and managing a team of educators).

He's also taught two boys to read from scratch — and remembers exactly how bewildering the early stages can feel. He knows this journey from both sides of the fence.

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First reading books: what to look for and how to choose

First reading books: what to look for and how to choose

June 29, 2026 • 6 min read

First reading books: what to look for and how to choose

First reading books explained: what to look for, the difference between decodable and levelled readers, and how to choose the right books.

What is a “reading scheme”? A plain-English guide for parents

June 25, 2026 • 6 min read

What is a “reading scheme”? A plain-English guide for parents

National Writing Day: using reading to spark children’s writing

June 22, 2026 • 5 min read

National Writing Day: using reading to spark children’s writing

Make Father’s Day about stories, not just socks

June 18, 2026 • 5 min read

Make Father’s Day about stories, not just socks

What is a reading age — and how is it measured?

June 15, 2026 • 6 min read

What is a reading age — and how is it measured?

Reading levels in UK primary schools: what to expect by year group

Reading levels in UK primary schools: what to expect by year group

June 11, 2026 • 7 min read

Reading levels in UK primary schools: what to expect by year group

What reading levels look like in UK primary schools, year by year — and how book bands map to national curriculum expectations.

Bug Club reading levels explained: a parent’s guide

June 8, 2026 • 6 min read

Bug Club reading levels explained: a parent’s guide

Oxford Reading Tree levels explained: a parent’s guide

June 4, 2026 • 6 min read

Oxford Reading Tree levels explained: a parent’s guide

How to keep reading momentum going during the summer term

June 1, 2026 • 9 min read

How to keep reading momentum going during the summer term

Learning to read games: fun ideas for home that actually help

May 28, 2026 • 5 min read

Learning to read games: fun ideas for home that actually help

Making the most of the May half-term holidays: reading activities for children

Making the most of the May half-term holidays: reading activities for children

May 25, 2026 • 6 min read

Making the most of the May half-term holidays: reading activities for children

May half-term's coming—keep children reading over the break with fun, low-pressure activities and seasonal books that feel like play, not schoolwork.