25 Feb 2020
On visiting Hawker Primary one very quickly understands why they had 100% participation in last years’ Chief Minister’s Reading Challenge, taking home prizes in three categories.
The Library forms the very heart of the school with the classrooms offset around it. The Library is such a welcoming space and students seem to gravitate there.
Enter Jennifer Holland teacher Librarian and ‘chief motivator’ when it comes to promoting literacy. Jennifer’s knowledge and enthusiasm radiates to the children around. She knows the books students love, finds and buys ones that will appeal to their interests and is explicit about links to the curriculum.
James and Alice are in Year 3, Elyse in Year 5 and Ashley in Year 6. Last year all students read in excess of the 30 books that form part of the Chief Minister’s Reading Challenge.
Elyse is a Library helper and her favourite book is Puppy Love, part of the Dork Diaries series.
James likes Andy Griffiths and Paul Jennings’ books.
Ashley enjoys The Land of Stories series as well as audio books.
Alice describes her favourite book Never Moor as a ‘magical adventure’ by Queensland Author, Jessica Townsend.
Jennifer says she is always on the look-out for new ways to help children develop a love of reading. One such resource is Story Box Library. This service supports and encourages the practice of reading books aloud and uses Australian authors and storytellers.
The Chief Minister’s Reading Challenge is on now. Further information can be found here