Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Q: How can I get my child interested in reading?
A: Set a time to read together or choose an activity listed on this website to do together. This sets a good example to children that you are a keen reader.Back to top
Q: How do I enter the Parent Challenge?
A: It’s very easy. Read for 15 hours between 7 December 2009 and 8 February 2010 and make sure you tick the ‘Parent Challenge’ box on your child’s entry form. You will then go in the draw to win a shopping voucher and book pack valued up to $500.

You can read anything that interests you. There is a reading list of books for adults on this website. You can borrow any of these books from your local library.

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Q: How do I register my child for the Challenge?
A: Parents can register their child for the Challenge on the Registration page of this website.Back to top
Q: What happens if my child cannot read?
A: If your child is unable to read, listening to audio books or having someone read to them also counts towards completing the Challenge. Audio books are available from your local public library. Local libraries will host reading events by Western Australian authors over the summer holidays.

If you read to your child, make sure you tick the ‘I/we have read to our child’ box on your child’s entry form. You will then go in the draw to win a shopping voucher and book pack valued up to $500.

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Q: What happens when my child has completed the Challenge?
A: When your child has completed the required number of hours for their level, fill in the entry form on the Challenge log and send to:
• your local public library
or
• Premier’s Summer Reading Challenge
Corporate Communications and Marketing
c/-Department of Education
151 Royal Street
East Perth WA 6004

All completed entries must be received by Monday 15 February 2010. Just send the completed entry form – we don’t need the whole log to be returned.
 

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Q: What if my child’s name is incorrect on the certificate?
A: If your child’s name is spelt incorrectly on the Premier’s Summer Reading Challenge certificate, please email us at reading.challenge@det.wa.edu.au or telephone 9270 3051. We’ll get a new one printed and sent to you.Back to top
Q: What is the Challenge?
A: The Challenge is to read for 10 or 15 hours between 7 December 2009 and 8 February 2010.

Children from Kindergarten to Year 3 are encouraged to read or be read to for up to 10 hours during the Challenge period. That’s less than 10 minutes a day.

Children from Year 4 to Year 7 are encouraged to read or be read to for up to 15 hours during the Challenge period. That’s less than 15 minutes a day.

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Q: What is the deadline for dropping off entries at a local public library?
A: Public libraries will be accepting entries up until 15 February 2010. Libraries will forward entries the following day to the Department of Education.Back to top
Q: What prizes can be won?
A: At the end of the Challenge each completed eligible entry will be placed in the draw to win a prize. There are heaps of great prizes on offer this year including a trip for two adults and two children to Broome, Western Australia, valued at up to $6 000 from QBE Insurance; books from Fremantle Press and Disney/Pixar Toy Story 3 merchandise. For further information please see the Terms and Conditions of Entry.Back to top
Q: What should children read?
A: Children should read what interests them. This could be a variety of books, magazines, comics and newspapers. They all count towards completing the Challenge.Back to top
Q: When will the main prizes be drawn?
A: The main prizes will be drawn on 26 February 2010.Back to top
Q: Who can enter the Challenge?
A: Children in Kindergarten to Year 7 (inclusive) in a Western Australian school at any time during 2009, or a home schooled student are eligible to enter.Back to top
Q: Why is the Reading Challenge only open to children from Kindergarten to Year 7?
A: The Reading Challenge was introduced to encourage children in their formative years to develop an enjoyment of reading. Reading and being read to have been proven to assist children to develop language literacy and social skills, as well as stimulate their imagination. Secondary school aged students are encouraged to find out about the MS Read-a-thon which provides a similar challenge for readers.Back to top
Q: Will my child get anything when they finish the Challenge?
A: Every child who successfully finishes the Challenge receives a certificate signed by the Premier. Certificates will be sent out in late March 2010.Back to top