How book box is boosting reading skills

Instructional leader Sharen Scerri said they wanted to combat the “summer slump” which occurs in reading skills among Kindergarten to Year 2 students.
She said the ‘Hooray for Holiday Reading’ program encouraged children to access quality ex-library and donated picture books through the book box, which was made and donated to the school by her husband Richard, as well as getting books from local libraries.
Each of the participating students received a starter pack with two books and a pencil case with crayons, coloured pencils, stickers and a diary to record what they read, as well as tips for parents and carers on how to help their child with reading.
Mrs Scerri said 86 students took part, with about half returning their reading diaries in the first two weeks of the new school term.
“The diaries showed 70 per cent had read every day of the holidays and the other 30 per cent had read nearly every day so we were really pleased with the results,” she said.
“Having the book box makes regular reading more accessible by providing a community resource, and encouragement is provided through the holiday reading program structure.
“The impact of the program includes developing an enjoyment of reading, the retention of reading skills learnt in 2019 through repeated practice, and language development through exposure to quality literature.”