These 2021-2022 summer holidays, the Library launched the inaugural Summer Reading Challenge. The Challenge was launched to maintain learning growth and critical thinking skills for the coming year. Summer reading is not only fun and relaxing; it is a crucial requirement to help students stay on track for their entire educational career – and beyond! There were 84 participants and 1598 books read: that is a book read every hour. We were impressed with the participants written thoughts including, 'this book made me think that wild animals are not good pets' - (Jaxon 1Y), and 'that there is always love wherever you go' (Myrah 3A) – both equally important concepts to remember.

As independent reading is associated with literacy achievement, essential to the Summer Reading Challenge is that of free choice of books. It does not matter if children want to re-read favourites or start off by picking books that seem too easy, as these books can be a way into enjoying reading in their free time. There is no pressure to persevere with a book if students are not enjoying it; they can stop and choose a different one instead.

It was great to see many participants listening to audio books. Audiobooks are a wonderful way to read books with our ears, as there are often fantastic narrators who make complex books more accessible. For people with visual impairment, many books are published in Braille and Giant Print. Many public libraries also run Autism Friendly sessions. 

Not only is the Summer Reading Challenge fun, but research shows that reading for pleasure is vital for children’s life opportunities. Numerous studies conclude that primary aged students who participate in Library-Based Summer Reading Challenges make significant gains in reading comprehension and foster a love of reading

Aside from the measurable achievement gains and positive wellbeing outcomes, participants also have their names in the draw to win a $100 book voucher; there are seven to be won. These will be presented in assemblies shortly across the campuses. All participants will receive a certificate to recognise and applaud their commitment to reading and learning. Next Summer we aim to double the number of participants to enjoy all the positive gains the challenge brings.

Further Reading

Association for Library Service to Children. 2010. “Resolution on Ensuring Summer Reading Programs for All Children and Teens.” Paper presented at the American Library Association Annual Conference, Washington, DC.

Dynia, J.M., Piasta, S.B., Justice, L.M. and Columbus Metropolitan Library, 2015. Impact of library-based summer reading clubs on primary-grade children’s literacy activities and achievement. The Library Quarterly, 85(4), pp.386-405.

Borman, Geoffrey D., and Matthew Boulay, eds. 2004. Summer Learning: Research, Policies, and Programs.

Siana Einfeld - Teacher Librarian