RSA lecture

What has the Literacy Hour done for us? Julia Strong, deputy director of the National Literacy Trust, looks at approaches to teaching reading and writing at primary level. To be held at 8 John Adam Street, London WC2N 6EZ. Go to: www.rsa.org.uk.

May 4-12

National Pet Week

A chance to focus on pets at school and at home, marked by special school assemblies and other events, including veterinary open days. Go to: www.nationalpetweek.org.uk.

May 10-11

Early Years and Primary Teaching Exhibition

There will be a large range of resources and services on display and a full seminar programme at this Manchester exhibition sponsored by TESPrimary. Go to: www.teachingexhibitions.co.uk.

May 13-19

National Smile Week

Organised by the British Dental Health Foundation to encourage brighter smiles, this year’s theme is food and drink. For an event organiser’s guide with ideas and information go to: www.nationalsmileweek.org.

May 15 - August 25

Children’s Writers Exhibition

From Beatrix Potter to JK Rowling, taking in CS Lewis, Enid Blyton, Roald Dahl, this exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery in London will feature paintings, drawings, photographs and portrait busts of British children’s authors. Go to: www.npg.org.uk.

May 22

Noise Action Day

The National Society for Clean Air and Environmental Protection is encouraging schools to support this event, which aims to make more people aware of noise pollution. You can take part in a “sound survey” and use their primary resource on sound and noise. Go to: www.nsca.org.uk.

May 20-21 Special Needs North

This exhibition of resources and equipment with accompanying seminar programme is at Middlebrook Exhibition Centre, Reebok Stadium, Bolton. Go to: www.nasen.org.uk.

May 22-26

Cheltenham Festival of Science

This event includes an extensive programme and a free hands-on exhibition with wacky shows and workshops on subjects including forces, astronomy and biology. Go to: www.cheltenhamfestivals.co.uk.

May 23-24

Wales Education 2002

To be held at the Cardiff International Arena, this exhibition and conference programme is expected to have around 125 exhibitors. Go to: www.educational-exhibitions.com