- Published:
- Tuesday 20 February 2018
Thousands of young Victorians are preparing to rise to the challenge to read more books – and in doing so experience an adventure on every page.
Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Education James Merlino today launched the Premiers’ Reading Challenge 2018, wishing good luck to the expected 250,000 eager readers expected to participate this year.
More than 2.5 million young Victorians have read more than 45 million books since the Challenge launched in 2005 – enough books to fill almost 11 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
About 250,400 participants and 3,161 schools, early childhood settings and homes across Victoria took up the Challenge last year, reading nearly 4 million books.
More than 150 new books will feature on the list this year – including the final instalments of Michael Adams’ The Seven Signs series and new additions to Melbourne author Tony Wilson’s The Selwood Boys – bringing the total Premiers’ Reading Challenge book list to a staggering 9,000 books.
Research shows that reading plays a vital role in a child’s development, helping develop their academic, social and emotional skills.
This year marks the 14th Premiers’ Reading Challenge, and to complete it students in Years 3-10 need to read 15 books or more in the six months from February to September.
Students in Prep, Year 1 and Year 2 are challenged to read or experience 30 books, while children who have not yet started school are challenged to read or experience 40 books with the help of their families.
The Challenge is an important literacy initiative that encourages more children and young people to read more often.
This year Children’s Book Illustrator James Hart designed the Challenge’s central poster. The explosion of characters hopes to inspire children to imagine the adventures that you can find on the pages of every book.
For more information, visit www.education.vic.gov.au/prc
Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“Whether it’s casting a spell with Harry Potter or hiding deep in the Australian bush with Hush the possum – a great book can take a young reader to new places and times and help grow their love of reading and the world.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino
“Good to luck to every student, child, teacher, family member and early years educator preparing to take on the Challenge in 2018 – you’ve got some exciting adventures ahead of you.”