As Dr Seuss so wisely wrote: “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn the more places you’ll go.”
Which is why the Territory Labor Government has launched the inaugural Northern Territory Chief Minister’s Reading Challenge.
The gauntlet has been thrown down to the Territory’s youngest bookworms to read 12 books over the next 24 weeks.
The challenge, which is already underway, is open to all students from Transition to Year 6.
Students who complete the challenge will receive a personalised certificate of completion from Chief Minister Michael Gunner.
The new program encourages reading for pleasure at home and in school with schools across all sectors, including home schools, eligible to participate.
Print, digital and audio books are eligible and books read to younger children count towards their total. While there’s a recommended booklist, any books contribute to the challenge.
The challenge encourages students to read and view stories in local languages, enabling bilingual schools and remote schools to participate in light-hearted rivalry between classes and other schools.
With hundreds of students having to isolate at home due to COVID, reading has become a great way to keep continuity of learning and enjoyment during these difficult times.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Lauren Moss:
“Books are wonderful! You can be transported across the world and beyond to indulge in the most incredible, exciting adventures – all from your reading chair.
“Reading is a core learning tool, critical to the development of literacy and communication skills, language development and imagination. It also enhances cognitive abilities and enables children to become critical thinkers.
“This reading challenge is the perfect opportunity for our Territory kids to learn to love books and I know there are thousands of students who have already begun to clock up credits in this contest.”
