Literacy provides some of the most important challenges, and solutions, to learning in the classroom and beyond. However, each year worrying statistics suggest that literacy is in decline, with fewer children reading daily and falling national standards for writing. Literacy Essentials for Every Teacher is the definitive guide to literacy, summarising the best of what we know works with reading, writing, talk, and vocabulary development and providing practical solutions for transforming literacy outcomes in the classroom.

Alex Quigley, author of the bestselling ‘Closing the Gap’ series, explains the ‘why’ of reading, writing, talk, and vocabulary, establishing the essential knowledge teachers need before offering a wealth of strategies and easy-to-use classroom activities that can be used across the curriculum every day to support literacy development. Including additional guidance on literacy assessment and supporting learners with SEND, the chapters equip teachers with the tools to build confidence in speaking, enhance vocabulary and foster a love for reading and writing.

Packed with practical advice, answers to frequently asked questions, and examples spanning all phases of education, this is an essential resource for all teachers at every stage of their career.

"Every teacher will be empowered, enriched and inspired by this important book. It offers an authoritative synthesis of the knowledge and practice of literacy teaching and learning, with practical strategies for the classroom, all of which are based on deep understanding of the latest research. Crucially, it reconnects every teacher to that most life-changing activity which sits at their heart of their professional vocation - the teaching of literacy."

Jonathan Douglas CBE, Hon FRSL, Chief Executive of National Literacy Trust.

"Alex has the ability to take tricky concepts and make them instantly recognisable for teachers, giving clear, actionable ideas on how to shift classroom practice to better support children's literacy."

Marcus Jones, Literacy Lead at Huntington Research school and Author of New Words, New Meanings.

"Quigley has expertly created a definitive masterclass on improving literacy across all phases. This is a clarion call for every teacher, not just literacy leaders, to champion literacy essentials: reading, writing, talk and vocabulary. Brilliantly practical and rich with examples, it is an indispensable book for genuinely improving outcomes for all students."

Shareen Wilkinson, Author, English Specialist and Executive Director of Education, LEO Academy Trust.

Alex Quigley is Head of Content and Engagement at the national educational charity the Education Endowment Foundation, UK. Previously, he was Director of Huntington Research School and an English teacher at Huntington School, York. He is also a columnist for TES and author of the bestselling 'Closing the Gap' series.