Eastern Shore Sun

Launching the Premier’s reading challenge with Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Skills David Bartlett, Mr Lennon said it was designed to promote literacy as an essential skill for young Tasmanians.  

Premier Paul Lennon reads to some local students at the launch of the challenge.

“This challenge will encourage young people to enjoy reading regularly and raise community awareness about the importance of reading with children at home,” Mr Lennon said.

“I’m challenging 45,000 students from grades one to six to read 20 books in 20 weeks, starting now.

“Government and non-government schools as well as home-educated students will receive information packs this week with all the information they need to get involved.”

With the help of their teachers, students will be able to choose from approximately 6000 book titles, arranged in reading levels appropriate to their abilities.

“Students with special needs can use materials to assist them to take part in the challenge including books in braille, enlarged print and audio books. They can also get help from reading buddies and teacher aides.

“For every student that registers in the Premier’s reading challenge, their school will receive $10 to buy more books for their school library,” Mr Lennon said.

“Students who finish reading 10 books by June 30 will go into the draw to win an iPod and audio book voucher and students completing the challenge will receive an official certificate.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Skills David Bartlett said the challenge would complement literacy programs already happening in schools.

“I hope that schools will incorporate the challenge into their daily reading and literacy activities,” Mr Bartlett said  
“I recognise we have some work to do lifting literacy and numeracy rates and I am committed to getting results.

“That is why more than $19 million has been invested in literacy and numeracy initiatives across the state including $3 million to support schools in implementing their literacy improvement plans.  

“Every Tasmanian school now has a literacy improvement plan in place with specific goals and outcomes that can be measured,” Mr Bartlett said.

Mr Lennon said the challenge was a great opportunity for parents to get involved by reading with their children and helping them record the books they’ve read in their log book.

“I encourage all schools and students to enter the challenge and start reading,” Mr Lennon said.

For more information about the Premier’s reading challenge, visit www.education.tas.gov.au/prc

Email (will not be published)

Name

Title

Comment
 remaining characters

Post