Curriculum links:
- National Curriculum, England - Key Stage 2 - English
- National Curriculum, Northern Ireland - Key Stage 2 – Language and Literacy
- Curriculum for Excellence, Scotland - 1st and 2nd Level – Literacy and English
- Curriculum for Wales - Progression steps 2 and 3 – Languages, Literacy and Communication
Learning objectives:
- Understand that people enjoy reading in different ways and for different reasons.
- Explore a range of book types and genres.
- Reflect on our own reading preferences and interests.
- Feel confident identifying ourselves as readers and know what reading materials we would like to read next.
What will happen in the Live Lesson?
Buckle up for a new BBC Live Lesson on World Book Day 2026!
All aboard! This World Book Day, Joel M and Vick Hope are taking your class on a journey to discover how they like to read.
In this curriculum-linked programme for 7-11 year-olds, your pupils will complete fun challenges and hear from some amazing authors as we celebrate the joy of reading for pleasure.
Our Live Lessons artist, Venessa Scott, will be on-hand capturing all our learning in a brilliant poster, with the key message that there’s no right or wrong way to be a reader.
The 30-minute Live Lesson will be live at 11:00 on Thursday, 5 March on this page, on the CBBC channel and on BBC iPlayer.
Teaching Guide. document
For downloading/printing
What is World Book Day and when is it?
World Book Day will take place on Thursday 5 March 2026 and is a global celebration of books and reading.
This BBC Live Lesson is created partnership with World Book Day.
Mission Packs
Download the Mission Pack in preparation for the Live Lesson. There are 3 versions available. Choose the option which best suits your needs.
Pupils are still able to participate without access to the Mission Packs. All instructions will be on screen. We recommend that pupils have a notebook and pen or pencil to hand.
Mission Pack: digital. document
Designed to be opened and edited using a tablet. Pupils will be able to type in text boxes and use the pen tool to draw.
Mission Pack: printable booklet. document
To be printed double-sided on 2 sheets of A4 paper. Fold in half to create A5 booklet. Pages are numbered and should run from 1 to 8 when one sheet is placed inside the other. Designed to support black-and-white printing.
Mission Pack: printable A4 sheets. document
This is the best option if you do not have the option to print double sided. Designed to support black-and-white printing.
How to get involved:
This programme is live and will be accompanied by a live website commentary feed for schools on this page. We’ll be updating it with your comments and shout-outs live throughout the broadcast.
Tell us how your school is celebrating on World Book Day, and email your shout-outs to live.lessons@bbc.co.uk with World Book Day as the subject, or get in touch using the get in touch form or using #BBCLiveLessons.
If you are sending in any images or videos that feature children, please confirm in your email that you have parental or guardian permission.
Get in touch. upload
Fill out this form for a chance to receive a shout-out on our live commentary feed.
Where next?
BBC Live Lessons for 2025/2026. collection
Information about our 2025/2026 Live Lessons for 7-11 year olds.
Watch again: World Book Day 2025 – Live Lesson. video
Celebrate the joy of reading for pleasure in this World Book Day 2025 Live Lesson.
World Book Day - Teaching Resources. collection
Explore our collection of teaching resources for primary and secondary schools, perfect for inspiring your class with the joy of reading on World Book Day.
