Did you know that one child in five cannot read well by the age of 11? Reading for pleasure is more important for a child’s academic success than their parents education levels or socio-economic status
These startling statistics come from The Reading Agency, a national charity helping to improve people’s lives through the power of reading.
One of its main activities is The Summer Readership Challenge which is delivered in partnership with public libraries and funded by The Arts Council.
Every summer The Readership Challenge encourages children (from the ages of 4 to 11) to read more during the school holidays by making it fun and challenging. This year’s challenge is entitled
This year’s challenge starts on 9th July as entitled “Gadgeteers”. With resources and activities developed by The Science Museum. It focuses on inspiring children to see the science and innovation behind everyday objects.
Children can sign up to the challenge at Tattenham Community Library, or any other public library. They then need to read six books during the summer holidays. These can be any type of books; stories, poetry, fact books, graphic novels, even audio books. The library has a very wide range of books to choose from and the librarians there can help your children choose their titles. Once they have read a book, they report it to the library who will monitor their achievements and reward their success with a range of stickers. Along the way there will be games and rewards and they will get to know the Gadgeteers.
Those children that complete the challenge will receive a certificate and a medal but more importantly will have improved their readership skills and increased their knowledge from the books they have read.
To sign up, just visit the library after the 9th July. If your child is not already a library member you can join yourself and your children at the same time. There is no cost, and you can read some good books yourself.