Book in for Premier’s Reading Challenge

Queensland kids will be encouraged to discover the joy of reading and boost their literary skills by taking part in the 2014 Premier’s Reading Challenge.

Premier Campbell Newman and Education, Training and Employment Minister John-Paul Langbroek launched the challenge which attracts more than 100,000 participants annually.

“Reading is a vital skill and the annual challenge, now in its ninth year, encourages students to experience the joy of reading,” Mr Newman said.

“Following the Queensland Government’s January announcement of the $131 million Great Results Guarantee, many schools chose to utilise their funding to promote reading.

“So, with a focus on literacy and numeracy in the early years, I’m expecting increased participation in this year’s challenge.”

Mr Newman said the challenge was a fantastic opportunity for students to share in their love of reading with parents and siblings.

“It’s especially great for younger kids who are still at the stage of exploring story books,” Mr Newman said.

“The books and authors that children develop an affinity with at an early age can stay with them throughout their lives.”

Education, Training and Employment Minister John-Paul Langbroek encouraged students to register for the 2014 challenge.

“Last year more than 735 schools and 118,500 students participated in the challenge with more than 84,000 students successfully completing the challenge and reading more than 1.7 million books,” Mr Langbroek said.

“We had a great participation rate in 2013 but it would be great to see even more students commit to the challenge this year.

“Everything the Newman Government does in education is directed towards better student outcomes and the annual reading challenge is a great example of this commitment.”

To meet the challenge in 2014 students must read and record all the books they’ve read between 20 May and 5 September and lodge them by 12 September. Their achievements will be celebrated between 10 November and 21 November.

Students who meet the challenge will receive a certificate signed by the Premier.

Registrations are now open and more information and book lists can be found at www.education.qld.gov.au/schools/readingchallenge

The 2014 Official Partner is OPSM and Supporting Partner is Village Roadshow Theme Parks.