“Where’s That Book?” The Organisational Side of Literacy Leadership
Good organisation isn’t just about neatness — it’s a form of curriculum support.
Every literacy lead knows that leading reading isn’t just about pedagogy. It’s also about finding things. Because sometimes, it’s not what you’re teaching that wears you down — it’s locating the resources you need to teach it. That moment in the autumn term — when you’ve got planning to finish, a class to settle and a meeting in ten minutes — and you can’t find that flashcard, that text or the next phonics book in the sequence… well, it’s enough to make anyone’s coffee go cold.
And let’s be honest: we’ve all seen the all-staff email.
“Does anyone know where the Year 3 copy of The Iron Man has gone?”
Cue a flurry of replies, a rummage through the book cupboard and half an hour of everyone’s time lost.
Organisation Is a Literacy Strategy
Good organisation isn’t just about neatness — it’s a form of curriculum support. When teachers can lay hands on the exact text, flashcard set or resource they need within seconds, it frees up energy and focus for what really matters: high-quality teaching.
As literacy leads, we spend so much time thinking about what to teach and how to teach it, that we sometimes overlook where it all lives. But when resources are hard to find, teaching time and morale both take a hit.
6 Systems That Save Time (and Sanity)
A few practical systems can transform your resource management and lighten the load across staff:
🗂️ 1. Class Text Sets
Ensure there are enough copies of each class text for whole-class reading, plus a few spares. Label and store them clearly, ideally in topic-based or year-group boxes.
Bonus tip: add a contents list to the outside of each box, so staff know exactly what’s inside without opening it. Dare I suggest it- a picture of the cover so it’s easy to see at a glance! Sounds silly but I promise you it can be ground-breaking for ensuring things get put back in the correct place.
📚 2. Rotating Non-Fiction Texts
Keep a set of non-fiction texts that can refresh book corners as topics change. Having these easy-to-access helps classrooms feel current and connected to curriculum themes without extra workload.
💬 3. Tier 2 Vocabulary Packs
For each class text, have a pre-prepared pack of Tier 2 vocabulary cards. Teachers can then edit, add to or adapt for their cohort — but the starting point is there, reducing planning time and promoting consistency in vocabulary instruction.
📄 4. Extracts and Linked Texts
If you are using supporting extracts or related reading alongside a core text, keep these printed, labelled and ready to reuse. Less queues at the photocopier — just a quick grab-and-go resource.
🔤 5. Phonics: The Big One
Phonics resources are often the trickiest to keep on top of — and the source of the most teacher stress.
Consider giving each phonics teacher a clearly labelled box containing:
Word cards
Flashcards
Any supporting manipulatives or objects
But don’t stop there — phonics books deserve the same attention to organisation as class texts. Store each set of decodable books in clearly labelled boxes or trays, grouped by phase and set, with a simple tracking sheet or sign-out system so staff can instantly see what’s available.
Where possible, make the system so intuitive that there’s no reason not to put things back. For example:
Give each set a numbered label that matches both the box and the shelf.
Use colour-coded dividers or stickers for different phases.
When phonics books and resources have a logical home — and staff can trust that everything will be there when they need it — lessons run smoother, transitions are quicker and teachers’ mornings feel calmer. A tidy, consistent phonics system doesn’t just save time; it safeguards teaching energy for where it’s really needed — the children in front of us.
📚 6. A Library That Leads by Example
A well-organised library doesn’t just make life easier — it sends a message. When books are cared for, catalogued and attractively displayed, pupils learn that books matter here.
Involving pupils in the running of the library is one of the simplest and most effective ways to nurture this culture of respect. Designate pupil librarians or reading ambassadors who help with:
Returning and shelving books correctly
Maintaining displays linked to current topics or reading themes
Checking that books are in good condition and reporting any that need repair
When children are trusted to look after books, they develop ownership and pride — and the atmosphere of the library changes from storage room to shared reading community.
A tidy, well-curated library is a daily, visual reminder that reading is central to school life. It tells every visitor — and every pupil — that literacy is not an afterthought but a shared value. When staff and pupils together take responsibility for keeping the library organised, it reinforces the idea that books are to be respected, enjoyed, and returned for others to love too.
Shared Responsibility, Shared Success
Resource organisation shouldn’t sit solely on one person’s shoulders. Encourage teams to help maintain the system. Create a quick resource return checklist or assign weekly “book monitors” (staff or pupils) who help check that everything is where it belongs. When everyone understands the system, everyone benefits from it.
Leadership That Lightens the Load
As a literacy lead, showing that you value time-saving systems sends a powerful message. You’re not just supporting reading — you’re supporting teacher wellbeing. Because a teacher who can find what they need quickly is one who starts their lesson calm, confident and ready to inspire.
Final Thought
Organisation may not sound glamorous, but it’s the quiet backbone of effective literacy leadership. The best reading lessons don’t just come from beautifully planned pedagogy — they come from the simple joy of having everything you need, right where you need it. Sometimes, the most powerful literacy intervention in a school isn’t a new programme or initiative. It’s a well-labelled cupboard. Yes-really.
Ready to Tackle the Organisational Side of Literacy?
At Empowerment Consultancy, we support schools to create practical, sustainable literacy systems — from phonics storage to whole-school text management — that save time, reduce workload and strengthen curriculum delivery. If your team could use a fresh pair of eyes (and a structured plan) to bring calm, clarity and consistency to your literacy resources, get in touch with Empowerment Consultancy. Together, we’ll help make your literacy vision work — not just on paper but on the shelves too.
