Roll up, roll up for reading challenge

The youngsters had all taken part in the summer reading challenge at Thurcroft Library during the school holidays.

The theme of this year’s annual challenge was the circus, and saw children taking part in circus themed activities in libraries across the borough.

“The challenge was really successful and we had about 45 children finish in total,” said Kelly Taylor from Thurcroft Library.

The challenge, now in its thirteenth year, is designed to help children develop a love of reading, boost their confidence and teach them new skills.

As well as fun games and craft activities, the youngsters aged from four to 11 are encouraged to read six or more books over the summer with incentives and rewards.

“We did a different circus themed activity each week, including making juggling balls and clown masks,” said Kelly.

“Then each week the children would pick a book to take home and read. When they bring it back we asked what they thought about it, and they have the chance to fill in a review sheet and recommend it to other readers.”

“The target was to read six books over the six week holiday, and for every two books they completed they got a reward,” she added.

And at the end of the challenge the proud readers were all presented with medals and certificates to mark their achievement.

“All of the children were really enthusiastic about this year’s reading challenge,” added Kelly.

“We saw them before the school holidays started and told them all about it, which really got them excited about it.”

“It’s a great way to get children interested in reading and we do find the challenge keeps them coming back each week.”

The summer reading challenge was created by the Reading Agency - an independent charity that works to inspire more young people to read.

“Our research shows that children really enjoy taking part in the summer reading challenge,” added Anne Sarrag, from the Reading Agency.

“It’s a great way to keep them entertained over the holidays, but more importantly, we know that children who take part read more books and read more widely than those who don’t, with potentially life-changing results.”

To find out more visit the website at www.readingagency.org.uk