Abernyte Primary has signed up to take part in the First Minister’s Reading Challenge, an exciting new reading initiative for children in Primary 4 – 7 (everyone is taking part in our school), delivered by Scottish Book Trust on behalf of the Scottish Government. We hope the challenge can be very much a home-school partnership with challenges taking place at school and at home, with books from school and where possible, from home.

Pupils will have a Reading Passport and Reading Challenge Record to keep track of their reading journey during the Challenge. They will have the opportunity to create their own reading challenges, as well as taking part with the wider school. You will find information about how you can support your child on the Reading Challenge website, https://www.readingchallenge.scot/

 What are we doing in school?  

• Reading will be celebrated in a variety of ways and have a high profile in our school e.g. with displays throughout the school, an interactive recommendations wall and a competition to see who can be photographed reading in the most obscure or entertaining location and displaying them in school (start taking your photos anytime now and hand them in);
• All the adults in the school will act as reading role models (if you know of any guest speakers who would like to come in and talk to the children about reading then please do let us know);
• Books will be embedded in activities across the curriculum;
• Reading for pleasure will be integrated into daily routine and time will be given for children to set and keep track of their reading challenges;
• We will be holding a Reading Challenge Community Open Day.

What can you do at home?

Encouraging a love of reading is really important for children, so have a look at the hints and tips on the Reading Challenge website. Little things you can do to support your child include:

• Signing up and visiting the library together
• Discussing your favourite books
• Making time for quiet reading

Scottish Book Trust have also put together some book recommendations to help children start their reading journey. You can search through these together on the website where there are over 300 titles, as well as book lists submitted by from children’s writers, well-known public figures, learning professionals and more.

Children and families are also encouraged to submit their own book lists – you can do so by emailing no more than 10 titles along with a short paragraph about who you are and the theme of your list to readingchallenge@scottishbooktrust.com

When does the Reading Challenge take place?

The challenge will run from now until June 2017. We’re excited to be taking part and hope that you can join in the fun too!  If you require any further information please do not hesitate to get in touch.