Burleigh students celebrate Premier’s Reading Challenge

19 Nov 2012 1:31 PMMichael Hart

 

Mr Hart said more than 82,000 Prep to Year 7 students in state and non-state schools across Queensland had participated in this year’s Challenge, from 22 May to 7 September.

“It is wonderful to see so many local school students immersing themselves in books, learning, laughing and developing their confidence as young readers,” Mr Hart said.

“Students, teachers and parents have all put a lot of effort into reaching their targets for the Premier’s Reading Challenge.

(Michael Hart MP, Principal Ray McConnell, Mr Page and Caningeraba State School Students)

 

“I wish schools all the very best as they celebrate the reading accomplishments of their students over the next two weeks.

Mr Hart said students were required to reach different targets, depending on their age.

“Our youngest readers in Prep to Year 2 were encouraged to develop an early love of books by reading or experiencing 20 books,” he said.

“Children in Years 3 and 4 were asked to read 20 books by themselves, which challenged them to become more independent readers.

“Taking into account that older students would choose longer, more complex books to read, students in Years 5, 6 and 7 aimed to read more than 15 books during the Challenge.”

Mr Hart said students who completed the Challenge received a certificate signed by the Premier.

“A certificate from the Premier is a great incentive for students to complete the challenge, but the real reward is improved literacy and a greater love of reading,” he said.

“Literacy is one of the most important skills a young child can develop, and by taking this Challenge, local students are getting the best start they can by learning to read and write well.”

The Premier’s Reading Challenge celebration weeks will continue until Friday 23 November.

Participating schools will be holding special events and activities during this time to recognise students’ reading successes.