The theme of this year’s challenge is The Big Friendly Read, based on books by Roald Dahl. It starts on July 16th and runs to September 11th
The Summer Reading Challenge was started by the Reading Agency to encourage children to continue reading during the school summer holiday and avoid the ‘reading dip’. It is for children aged 4 – 11 years. Although each year has a theme children do not need to read books on that theme.
Children sign up for the Challenge at the library by filling in a registration form, and they can choose a sticker from a sticker sheet. Their names and contact details are added to a master sheet so that the library can keep track of who has joined. They must be a member of the library to take part; they can join the library in the usual way
They need to read six library books of their choice during the summer. They can read whatever they like - fact books, fiction, joke books, picture books, audio books - as long as they are borrowed from the library. There are some titles especially for the Big Friendly Read theme but they don’t have to choose those.
Although they can read what they want to, the books should be suitable for their age and reading level - a good reader won’t be able to get away with reading six easy readers!
After each book is finished they need to tell a member of staff what the book is about to show they've read it. Please note we may be short staffed on occasion, and near closing time won't be a possible time either.
When they have read six books they are given a medal and will receive a certificate at school at the beginning of term.
All primary school children can take part and there are special large print and Braille materials available for visually impaired and blind children.
There is a Big Friendly Read website http://summerreadingchallenge.org.uk/ where children can follow their progress online, recommend books and find puzzles and games. There is also a downloadable App.
We would welcome help from older young people to hear the children talk about their book.
Enjoy!!