Teaching through Stories: Why do Themes Matter in Children’s Literature?

Stories have always provided a place of psychological safety for young learners to explore big themes - helping them make sense of friendship, kindness, and life’s challenges. Thematic children’s literature offers a powerful pathway for developing empathy, social-emotional skills, and early literacy, while aligning with key educational frameworks.

The session will be hosted by Rory File (ILT Education UK) and will explore the importance of themes in children’s literature and their role in early education.  Rory will be joined by Sofia Torell - niece of creator Gunilla Bergström and Chair of Bok-Makaren. She will explore why Alfie Atkins continues to resonate in UK classrooms in 2025 and how educators can purposefully integrate the stories to achieve meaningful outcomes.

In this live conversation, we will take a closer look at Alfie Atkins (Alfons Åberg) - a beloved series that continues to resonate in UK classrooms in 2025. Centred on a six-year-old and his single father, the stories model grounded, everyday problem-solving and provide rich opportunities for purposeful integration into Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED) and literacy teaching.

Who should attend?

Early years and KS1 teachers; literacy leads; SENCOs; EAL coordinators; headteachers; school library services; and practitioners committed to creating a culture of reading for pleasure.

What can you expect?

Participants will gain practical approaches for story-led social-emotional learning, inclusive discussion routines, and strategies that support EAL/Multilingual Learners—including the considered use of bilingual story platforms (e.g., Polylino) to widen access while safeguarding pupil imagination.

Register Now!