Reconstructing Reading 2026

Reconstructing Reading 2026

At Reconstructing Reading, we’ll bring together international literacy leaders to translate the latest and most robust reading research into teaching strategies that support children in an evolving reading landscape.

Whether you’re a teaching practitioner or researcher, you’ll come away with evidenced approaches to reading instruction and engagement, with practical applications that meet the needs of diverse learners today.

This online conference returns for the National Year of Reading 2026, as part of our collective aim to reimagine how we teach reading and grow readers today.

Book now for the early bird rate of £100 – available until 30 September 2026.

What’s on the agenda?

Reconstructing Reading 2026 focuses on key elements of reading instruction and engagement. Across the programme, our international lineup will unpick the latest research to uncover strategies in word reading and decoding, barriers to reading development, motivation and engagement, early reading, comprehension and developing comprehension.

With a focus on early language and learners aged 4 to 11, there will be insights applicable to your whole education provision.

We’re delighted to reveal a preview of our lineup – more speakers to be announced!

• Professor Jessie Ricketts, Professor of Psychology, Royal Holloway, University of London
• Timothy Shanahan, Distinguished Professor Emeritus, University of Illinois at Chicago
• Professor Sam Wass, Director, Institute for the Science of Early Years, University of East London
• Kelly B. Cartwright, Ph.D., Spangler Distinguished Professor of Early Child Literacy, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and Nell K. Duke, Executive Director, Center for Early Literacy and Learning Success and Professor, Stand for Children and the University of Michigan
• Professor Kate Nation, Professor of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford
• Catherine E. Snow, John and Elisabeth Hobbs Research Professor of Cognition and Education, Harvard Graduate School of Education
• Dr Sinéad Harmey, Associate Professor of Literacy Education, UCL Institute of Education
• Melanie R. Kuhn, Jean Adamson Stanley Faculty Chair in Literacy, Purdue University
• Mark S. Seidenberg, Vilas Professor, emerit. University of Wisconsin-Madison
• Professor Kathy Rastle, Professor of Cognitive Psychology, Royal Holloway, University of London
• Professor Anne Castles, ARC Laureate Professor, Australian Catholic University

What can I expect?

With your ticket you’ll access:

• Live webinars with 15+ international researchers
• Recordings of every webinar available until Easter 2027
• A PhD showcase platforming the forefront of reading research
• A digital goody bag of resources, including takeaway insights from each webinar
• Learning Management System with a dedicated attendee area storing all resources and webinars

Who should attend?

• Primary education practitioners and phase leaders with responsibility for literacy development
• Headteachers and senior leaders
• Student teachers
• Researchers and education practitioners working in literacy and learning development