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2015 Summer Reading Challenge: inspiring children to read and set a Guinness World Records title this summer
Libraries across the UK are getting ready to encourage young readers to explore some of the astonishing real-life achievements and world records as featured in the Guinness World Records Books as part of the Summer Reading Challenge 2015.
Organsied by The Reading Agency charity and the public library network, the annual Summer Reading Challeng, aimed and 4- 11 year olds and their families is simple and fun. Children are encouraged to read six or more library books of their choice during the summer holidays with collectable incentives and rewards, plus a certificate, or medal for every child who completes the Challenge. Children can sign up at their local library at the start of the summer holidays– it’s absolutely free - and pre-schoolers can take part in the mini-Challenge.
Every year there is a new theme and this year the Summer Reading Challenge has teamed up with Guinness World Records - the global authority in record-breaking achievements and publisher of the annual Guinness World Records ™book – to establish a “Record Breakers” themed Challenge. Record Breakers brings together fact and fiction, challenging young readers to explore astonishing real-life achievements and world records.
Collecting stickers as they go, young readers will discover the weird, wonderful and wacky records from around the world in six different categories: Cool Tech, Way to Go!, The Big Stuff, Animal Magic, People Power and Action! Adventure!
As part of this year’s Challenge, children, parents, carers, young volunteers, teachers, much-loved children’s authors and important figures in communities around the UK will be asked to make a pledge to help us set a new Guinness World Records™ title for the Most Pledges Received for a Reading Campaign! Public libraries are collecting pledges across the UK between Friday 10 and Monday 13 July –check with your local library to find out when you can submit your pledge. The official launch date of the Summer Reading Challenge in England is Saturday 11 July (although local variation applies). Libraries in Scotland start the Challenge on xxx June.
Parents and carers love the challenge, not only is it free but they can see the difference the Summer Reading Challenge makes to their children’s reading. Last year, over 800,000 children took part, nearly half of them boys!
Mason, from Stockport, wrote: “I loved the stickers and the chart and the funny characters.”
What’s more, teachers can often tell which children have taken part; research shows that children who take part in the Challenge return to school after the summer break as more fluent, confident and happy readers.
“This is a fantastic initiative. We do this every year.” Parent, Southend-on-Sea
For busy parents, getting back into the habit of using the library as a family throughout the year can be triggered by taking part:
“The Challenge meant that trips to the library became part of our planned summer holiday together as a family.” Parent, Oban, Scotland
On days you can’t get to the library, there is still the Record Breakers website, with so much for children to discover and they can keep a record of their Challenge too. Children can also recommend books and decide what to read next using the Book Sorter.
HELPFUL HINTS
Here are some ideas to help your child finish the Challenge.
- Visit the library as often as you can. There are all kinds of events going on, and children soon get caught up in the fun
- Read yourself! Don’t feel guilty about sitting down with a book, newspaper or magazine. It sets a good example to kids – and they will copy you!
- Let children choose their own books. If they don’t like a book, just move on to the next one, or ask one of the library staff to recommend a read
- Children don’t just have to read stories or novels. Fact books, audio books, poetry – they all count!