LIBRARY

With all the mundane library tasks now completed, over 1,000 new textbooks were covered and borrowed in February, the library staff are excited to see some cooler weather and the beginning of the Premier’s Reading Challenge (PRC)!  In our opinion, nothing beats curling up with a good book,  but for many of our students, this is the last thing they think to do.  If you are able to identify with some of the ‘Stages’ below, either for yourself or your child, you can be reassured that all is not lost.

There is much research into why teens seem to lose the passion for reading, and Margaret Merga from Curtin University has studies to suggest that it could be “a phenomenon called expired expectations” .  (nothing to do with technology at all!).   Basically, students have mastered the skill and so move on to other challenges. (Click on the link to read the complete news article).  Merga gives examples of how minimising the effects of this phenomenon requires a joint effort from teachers and parents. Her 5 suggestions for encouraging a love of reading in your teen are activities for both home and school.  

1. Read aloud to students.  Borrow an audio book for your next car trip. Download the app and Bluetooth it through your speakers.
2. Choose books they love.  Check out our catalogue.  Borrow and return e-resources from home.  Your child has all the login details you need.
3. Limit access to electronics.  This can be a tough one, but start small.
4. Give them time to read.  Reading is a good activity to wind-down before sleep.  An average reader takes about 1 ½ minutes to read 1 page, an average teen novel has about 200 pages. 
5. Be an example to them.  Make sure they know that you read for pleasure.

Be assured that the staff at the College try to implement these suggestions daily, and participation in the Premier’s Reading Challenge is just one part of this.  All students in Year 7, 8 & 9 are encouraged to take part and will have time to read during the school day.   The aim is to read 20 books by the end of August 2020, and any books read or listened to since September 2019 can be included in this year’s Challenge. Students have an individual login and password to document their reading log.  Ask your child about their reading.  In 30 minutes reading a day they can read a book a week!

More about Grant Snider, cartoonist extraordinaire.

Sue Graffen | Teacher Librarian