Win for Killermont kids who took on First Minister’s Reading Challenge

Date: 
Thursday, 19 July, 2018

 

BeFist minister and P1/2 pupils with teacherfore the end of term, pupils from P1/2 at Killermont Primary in Bearsden met First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, as they were among the winners of this year’s First Minister’s Reading Challenge.

Pupils attended a special event in Edinburgh to collect their award in recognition of the creativity they showed in devising their class reading initiatives. The pupils championed books through reading displays and a paired reading programme with older pupils and they devised imaginative ways to share the books they loved.

The First Minister said, “I’d like to congratulate all the schools and pupils who have taken part in this year’s challenge. They’ve all worked really hard over the past year and are a credit to their local communities.

“Raising attainment is at the heart of the Scottish Government’s work. That is why I launched the First Minister’s Reading Challenge – to encourage reading for pleasure from an early age which in turn, helps improve children’s literacy.”

Class Teacher Lindsay Duncan, added, “We are all very proud of our P1/2 class who have shown commitment, enthusiasm and creativity when taking part in the First Minister’s Reading Challenge. As part of our reading journey the children supported each other in a fantastic paired reading project.

“They also created puppet shows, wrote songs and so much more. All of our reading even inspired the children to write and illustrate their own books. Our pupils have been inspired to discuss and share books in new ways and I am delighted their achievement has been recognised in this way.”

East Dunbartonshire’s Convener of Education, Councillor Jim Goodall, congratulated the school on its success, “It is clear that everyone at Killermont worked hard on the Reading Challenge and enjoyed the experience. Well done!”

The First Minister's Reading Challenge is delivered by the Scottish Book Trust on behalf of the Scottish Government and every school in Scotland was invited to take part. This year almost 1000 schools, from 29 local authorities, registered for the challenge.

Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said, “Reading for pleasure boosts children’s creativity, mental well-being and performance at school and beyond, and is one of the most important things we can instil in children. These awards recognise some amazing work from schools and pupils who have shown a real commitment to building and sustaining a reading culture.”

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