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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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October 2, 2026 • 8 min read

World Teachers’ Day: celebrating the teachers who spark a love of reading

Celebrate World Teachers' Day by thanking teachers for inspiring reading love. Plus ideas for home-school reading partnerships.

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October 1, 2026 • 5 min read

Celebrate Black History Month: explore stories of courage and culture

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September 25, 2026 • 6 min read

Ahoy matey! Bringing Talk Like a Pirate Day to life with reading activities

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September 10, 2026 • 8 min read

Whizzpopping ways to celebrate Roald Dahl Day

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September 7, 2026 • 6 min read

A parent’s guide to reading at primary school

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September 7, 2026 • 6 min read

Kickstart the summer term: boost your child’s reading at home

April's here—help your child keep reading momentum through the summer term with fresh ideas, seasonal books, and realistic routines that don't feel like a chore.

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September 5, 2026 • 10 min read

Settling into a new school year: support your child’s reading

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August 31, 2026 • 6 min read

What are phonics reading books (decodable books)? A guide for parents

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August 24, 2026 • 6 min read

What is digital (and AI) literacy — and why does it matter for children?

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August 17, 2026 • 6 min read

What is media literacy — and why does it matter?

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August 10, 2026 • 5 min read

Children’s book subscriptions: what to look for and how they work

What is a children's book subscription? A guide to the different types — subscription boxes, book rental services, and digital subscriptions — and what to look for.

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