Premier challenges Queensland students to read two million books

Queensland school children are expected to read a record two million books during this years’ Premier’s Reading Challenge.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk joined Education Minister Kate Jones today to officially launch the 2016 Premier’s Reading Challenge at Inala State School.

Ms Palaszczuk said the challenge aimed to improve literacy and encourage children to develop a love of reading.

“A love of books and reading is an important building block in helping young people reach their full potential,” the Premier said.

“That’s why today we are encouraging all schools to get on board and sign up for the Reading Challenge.

“Inala State School will be taking part again this year after almost 100% of students participated last year.”

Minister Jones said the Premier’s Reading Challenge was open to students from state and non-state schools and it would run from 16 May and 26 August.

“In 2015, more than 150,000 students took part reading more than 1.95 million books. This year we are hoping to go even better,” the Minister said.

“This is all about encouraging our students to book-in to reading and develop a love of books for life.”

Ms Jones said during the Premier’s Reading Challenge students would aim to read a minimum number of books with no limit on the maximum amount.

“Prep to Year 2 students will aim to read or experience 20 books, Years 3 to 4 students will aim to read 20 books, and Years 5 to 9 will aim to read 15 books, reflecting the longer and more challenging books read by this age group,” she said.

“Children in early childhood centres can participate by sharing group reading experiences.

The earlier we engage our children in reading the better start they will have to their education.”

“A love of reading sets children up for success at school because reading is the foundation of all education and learning.”

The 2016 Premier’s Reading Challenge is supported by Teachers’ Union Health, QSuper, QT Mutual Bank, Queensland Ballet, Village Roadshow Theme Parks, and The Courier-Mail.

Queensland schools and early childhood centres can register for the challenge online: www.education.qld.gov.au/schools/readingchallenge/