GETTING children to read in today’s digital world can be a challenge.
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But students at Nowra East Public School, especially in years 3-6, are being given a whole new perspective on reading.
The school is one of just 13 statewide to be chosen to be part of the Dymocks Children’s Charities Book Bank, which aims to improve literacy outcomes over the coming years.
The unique program encourages primary school students to cultivate a love for books and read every day, with 200 students in years 3-6 each receiving a new book every term for the next year.
Reading is amazing. It is fun and it takes you into another world.
- Year 5 student Jack Lenihan
Dymocks Children’s Charities fundraising manager Gary Minford said it is hoped the program encourages a lifelong love of books in the students.
“It is a fantastic program and something we are proud of,” he said.
“Each child receives four free books a year, one each term and they are then their books.
“They can build their own library at home and hopefully that trickles down to their siblings and even their parents.
“In some of the areas we have gone into some kids, generally speaking, have never owned a book before.”
Once the students have finished their book, they are encouraged to swap it with fellow students.
“We want them to share them with friends and even encourage them to write notes in the front of the book if they liked it or not.
“Then at the end of the term the students take their book home.”
“It is so important in today’s world where everything is so electronic to continue to encourage children to read.
“Books are just so important.
“Books are brilliant. They don’t need power or have to be plugged in. They don’t need WiFi. It doesn’t matter if your are out of range of a cell tower for them to work.They take you to another world.”
He said the students get to choose from thousands of titles, many of which are included on the Premier’s Reading Challenge list.
“The children choose what they want,” he said.
“We could give them all a Jane Eyre and make them read it but they probably won’t enjoy it and won’t want to read again.
“We need to make reading and literacy fun and enjoyable.
Books are brilliant. They don’t need power or have to be plugged in. They don’t need WiFi. It doesn’t matter if your are out of range of a cell tower for it to work. They take you to another world.
- Dymocks Children’s Charities fundraising manager Gary Minford
“The kids will treasure a book they choose themselves.
“Hopefully we can encourage a lifetime love of books.”
The program is valued at over $6000.
Year 5 student, Jack Lenihan loves reading.
“Reading is amazing,” the 10-year-old said.
“It is fun and it takes you into another world.”
Year 6 student Emily Lyons,11, admitted she still liked to play electronic games, but also enjoyed reading.
“I like to read, books are good,” she said.
“I like reading Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Pig To Pug.”