A message for parents from the Premier

It is with great pleasure that I welcome you and your child to the Premier’s Summer Reading Challenge 2009-2010. The Challenge is open to children from Kindergarten to Year 7, including home-schooled children.

Reading for fun is an essential part of improving literacy – for your children and for you.

Reading can transport your child into new and exciting worlds and is great for active and inquisitive minds.

Evidence shows that children who develop a love of reading at home are more likely to succeed at school. Reading opens a world of possibilities for their future.

It’s never too late for you as a parent to start exploring the world of reading. I encourage you to set an example for your children by showing them you are a reader.

The challenge for students in Kindergarten to Year 3 is to read for 10 hours during the summer holiday – which is less than 10 minutes each day.

Children from Year 4 to Year 7 are challenged to read for 15 hours – less than just 15 minutes a day. Parents are also challenged to read for 15 hours.

Children should read anything they enjoy including books, magazines, comics, newspapers or listen to audio books – whatever makes them want to read more.

I welcome you and your child’s participation in this year’s Challenge!

 

HON COLIN BARNETT MLA
Premier of Western Australia