Today, Miss Hunter launched The First Minister’s Reading Challenge with all pupils fro P4-P7. It is an exciting opportunity to participate in a national event that looks to foster a love of literature in our children.
The following information is taken from the website for parents:
What is the First Minister’s Reading Challenge?
The First Minister’s Reading Challenge is a new programme for Primary 4 – 7 pupils in Scotland, providing opportunities and resources to help them develop a love of reading.
There are a range of challenges to encourage children to go on their own reading journeys, explore different types of books and celebrate personal reading achievements.
The First Minister’s Reading Challenge will run from September 2016 until May 2017.
Why is it Important?
The importance developing a life-long love for reading cannot be underestimated for children and the impact it has on all aspects of education – the curriculum and beyond – is immeasurable.
What can you do to help?
Helping children to fall in love with reading at home is just as important as what goes on at school.
Furthermore, a fantastic resource in your community is your local library. Visit the library regularly and let your child choose their own book. Encourage them to talk to their librarian about their choices, ask them for recommendations and use their own library card.
Reading aloud to your children doesn’t need to stop when they get older and, as long as it’s something you both enjoy, it’s a great way to appreciate a good story together. Even if your child prefers to read on their own, take time to chat about what they are reading. It shows that you value their opinions and interests and builds confidence.
Being a reading role model can be incredibly powerful; if your child sees members of their family reading, discussing what they have read and carrying books around, they will value reading more. Making reading a social experience with friends, siblings and relatives can be fun. Some children want to start mini book clubs to discuss books they are interested in or have a party based on a book they love.
Your child may receive a Reading Passport from their school where they will be able to record books they have read throughout the Challenge and what they think of them. Talk to them about the books and reading materials they enjoyed and the ones they didn’t. You might want to discuss challenges they and you face as readers, and that it’s ok to start a book and realise it’s not for them. They could also take their Reading Passport along to their local library and record recommendations inside.
Many children don’t want to read simply because the books they encounter are too difficult or the themes or language are not challenging enough. Ask your child if they feel a book is interesting and challenging and speak to their teacher for advice. You could also take advantage of new technology; reading texts on electronic readers, such as an iPad or Kindle can make it seem more engaging to children. There are also a number of fantastic apps available to support struggling readers.
One of the most important things you can do with your children is make time to talk about books, stories, and words. Let them develop their own interests and, above all, help them to value reading and the world it opens up to them.
