More children hooked on reading

A record number of children took part in the 2007-08 Premier's Summer Reading Challenge, with entries almost double last year's total.

Education and Training Minister Mark McGowan said he was thrilled with the number of children taking part in the reading challenge.

"The number of entries in this year's Premier's Summer Reading Challenge was a huge 6,688 - well above the 3,500 entries we received in 2006-07," Mr McGowan said.

"This is a fantastic result and I am very pleased to see how many children have taken up the challenge to get hooked on reading.

"Research shows children who develop an early appreciation for reading have higher rates of literacy than those who do not.

"That means children who get hooked on reading outside the classroom are likely to enjoy more success at school."

Winthrop Primary School had the highest number of students taking part in the challenge, with 64 entrants.

Meanwhile Kirup Primary School and Armadale Seventh Day Adventist Primary School each had the highest percentage of students taking part, with 20 per cent of their student population entering the challenge.

To take part in the challenge, children from Kindergarten to Year Three had to spend at least 10 hours reading (or being read to) between December 6, 2007, and February 11, 2008, while children from Year Four to Year Seven read (or were read to) at least 15 hours in the same period.

This year's pirate theme, 'get hooked on reading', emphasised the importance of having fun while developing a lifelong enjoyment of reading.

Parents and other family members were challenged to make reading a fun, family activity by reading to or with their children.

Local libraries across the State also took part by hosting a series of successful storytelling and information sessions by top Western Australian children's authors, including Shane McCarthy, Anne Morgan, Dianne Wolfer and Mike Lefroy.

Around 700 prizes were given away to entrants, schools and parents, including iPod Shuffles, book vouchers, Narnia-Prince Caspian merchandise and movie passes.

 Individual winners included:

·         Minnesota Buckley, of Pinjarra - a signed Fremantle Dockers Football Club ball and a Wooldridges A&M $50 book voucher;

·         Jake Oorschot, Baldivis - Perth Glory guernsey and Wooldridges A&M $50 book voucher; and

·         Luca Trimboli, Maida Vale - Fremantle Dockers Football Club guernsey and a $50 book voucher.

Parents who read to their child went in a special prize draw.  The following parents won an iPod Shuffle:

·         Bridget Robson, Geraldton; and

·         Melissa Kop, Inglewood.

The Premier's Summer Reading Challenge is sponsored by Members Equity, Wooldridges A&M and Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, Australia.