|
We are just over halfway through the challenge and over 9,000 children have so far registered for Gadgeteers in our libraries, which is amazing!
Don’t forget, the challenge ends on Saturday 10 September in West Sussex, so encourage your child to continue reading and if they reach their personal target by this date, they can collect a medal and certificate. They can even take a selfie with one of our special Summer Reading Challenge trophies!
Schools love to know who has been taking part in the challenge, so make sure your child takes their certificate in when they go back to school to show their new teachers and classmates.
Well done to those children who have completed the challenge so far.
|
|
One part of the challenge we love in particular is hearing about the books children are reading. Our staff and Summer Reading Challenge volunteers may ask your child simple questions about some of the books they have read, or which book they enjoyed the most. Don’t worry if they're feeling a little shy; why not encourage them to complete a Reader Review bookmark instead? Staff will happily display these in the library.
We’ve received some brilliant recommendations so far – make sure to look out for them when you next visit!
If your child would like the opportunity to talk about books with other children, why not come along to one of our Book Chat sessions? These events are free, but please do book a place in advance.
|
We know it can be hard to encourage children to keep reading throughout the summer, so here are our top tips to support even the most reluctant readers:
Let children choose what to read - They’ll be more excited about a book they’ve chosen for themselves.
Don’t worry if you think a book is too easy… - Reading something familiar can help build confidence. Lots of children love reading the same book over and over!
...or too hard! - If children choose a longer story, why not read a little bit each day as a family?
Choose a variety of books - Stories, information books, comics and audiobooks will all support your children’s learning in different ways (and who doesn’t love a picture book?!)
Talk about reading - Ask questions to find out what your children thought about their books. It will enhance their understanding and can also be a great way to help them talk about their own emotions.
Have fun! - Giggle at the pictures, use silly voices and act out parts of the story – there’s no right or wrong way to share a book! Children who read for pleasure and enjoyment are more likely to develop a lifelong love of books, which will support their development and wellbeing in many ways.
You can find even more information and useful resources on our Helping Children to Read web page.
|
As this year’s challenge explores the amazing science behind our world, why not have a go at a few experiments at home?
The Science Museum, official partners of this year's Summer Reading Challenge, have put together WonderLab+ - a portal dedicated to brilliant experiments, games and videos, perfect for bringing science alive and getting creative at home.
If being creative digitally is more their thing, now is a great time to try out coding for free with our micro:bit Starter Kits! To find them on our library catalogue, just search for ‘microbit’. We’ve lots of fantastic coding books to help get you started.
micro:bits can be programmed using most devices and can add an extra fun element to a junk-modelled robot, or perhaps a brand new invention. Find out more on our Coding at Home web page.
Don't forget that children can request library items for free when they use their own library card. We have a huge selection of picture books, story books and audiobooks to choose from.
|
|
Do you have friends or family members who have yet to discover their local library? Help us spread the word that libraries are for everybody by inviting them to one of our Discovery Day parties!
The Love Your Local Library campaign aims to pull back the curtain on West Sussex Libraries and shine a light on the endless possibilities on offer.
From family-friendly Toddler Time, to board games and author evenings, plus free Ancestry history meetings and digital subscriptions; libraries are a shared social space for all to enjoy.
There are five Discovery Days running in August and September which are absolutely free to attend:
All events will be running between 11.00am and 3.00pm, and are open to everybody. There is no need to book - simply turn up and enjoy!
|
|
