Nicola Sturgeon launches school Reading Challenge

Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has launched a new Reading Challenge for schools to encourage children to read for pleasure.

The new initiative is supported by the Scottish Book Trust and hopes to help children develop a life-long love of books.

The challenge will be rolled out in schools from 1 September for children in primary four to seven. Pupils will be encouraged to achieve their own reading goals and choose from a list of 100 books specially selected by a panel of academics, experts and teachers.

Schools will be able to order special passports to log children’s reading journeys and a range of prizes will be awarded in June 2017 for pupils to celebrate their progress.

Sturgeon said: “Encouraging children to read for pleasure not only helps our young people develop vital language and literacy skills, but also opens up a whole new world of adventure and fun through the exciting and varied range of books suggested.

“Some of my happiest childhood memories involve immersing myself in stories so I’m pleased to have the opportunity to encourage young people to also experience the joy of reading for pleasure.

“I hope this scheme goes a long way in encouraging Scotland’s young people to see reading as an important leisure activity as much as a school one.”

Marc Lambert, chief executive of the Scottish Book Trust, added: “Through reading everyone has a chance to develop and realise their unique potential. That’s why we are so delighted to be delivering the First Minister’s Reading Challenge and working with the help of an Advisory Group of professionals and stakeholders to promote and foster a culture of reading in Scotland.

“Creating a nation of readers is one of the most beneficial and far-sighted aims any society can have, because reading has the power to change lives, benefitting both the individuals regardless of their background and society at large."