Booking for this Masterclass session opens on Wednesday 9 September 2026.
Suitable for: Class teachers (EYFS-KS2, SEND), English Subject Leads, Senior Leadership.
Relevant areas of the National Curriculum: Language and vocabulary, oracy, reading, writing, PSED.
Date and Time: Wednesday 2 December 2026, 9am to 3.30pm
Venue: Centre for Literacy in Primary Education, 44 Webber Street, London SE1 8QW (map).
Venue accessibility: Step free access, accessible toilets and accessible parking.
Description of session
Develop proven approaches to visual literacy to support deeper reading skills and authentic writing processes and learn how to embed these practices throughout your school in this session delivered by an expert advisory teacher from CLPE in partnership with author and illustrator, Daishu Ma.
Detail of activity
In this Masterclass, you’ll enhance your knowledge and understanding of how to choose and use picture books throughout your school.
You will explore the ways in which well chosen picture books and thoughtfully planned activities work together to increase children’s motivation and attainment as readers and writers.
You will consider authentic approaches to the writing process, which can be drawn upon immediately to improve independent writing and enrich engagement for all pupils.
Key areas of focus
-
The importance of picture books as a vital reading experience across the primary years.
-
The use of investigating approaches to develop inference, deduction, critical reflection and wider reader response.
-
How to convey meaning in words and illustrations and the impact of drawing as a means of communication.
-
How to support children in creating, shaping, developing and publishing their own narratives using words and pictures.
Takeaway
You will receive a copy of a carefully selected picturebook text, along with detailed teaching plans for each age phase.
