About the challenge

Premier’s Reading Challenges have taken off around Australia as a fun and effective way of improving the literacy of students.

Now Tasmanian students have the opportunity to participate in the Tasmanian Premier’s Reading Challenge. It is not a competition, but a challenge to each student to read, to read more and read more widely. This is a challenge for all readers regardless of their current reading level.

FAQ

1. How many students can participate in the Challenge?

The Challenge is offered to over 39,000 children in Grades 1- 6 and 520 home educated children.

2. Why did we choose Grades 1-6 and not other grades?

The decision to limit the Challenge to Grades 1-6 for the first year has been based on advice from program Coordinators in other states. They have all suggested that 'starting small' and limiting participation to a well-defined age group for the first year at least, will enable Tasmania to test and refine procedures. This will be reviewed after the first year of operation with a view to further extension to other age groups.

3. Where did the booklists come from?

Our booklists are modelled on those of other states. The Tasmanian lists (6,000 titles) represent a wide cross-section of current titles and current publications for children, which are widely available through school or public libraries. The State Library has added additional copies of some titles to its collections to ensure that there is adequate support for Challenge readers.

4. Why is the target 20 books?

Based on the time frame of the Challenge (20 weeks), and advice from Coordinators from other states, it was judged to be an achievable target for students. It equates to one book per week and allows for 5 books to be chosen according to personal interest and taste. Students can read more than the target.

5. Can I read a book from a level above my year level?

Students will be encouraged to attempt higher levels of the Challenge. The Challenge Booklist contains titles suitable for each age group - teachers, teacher-librarians and public librarians can assist student to choose the Challenge level and books that are appropriate for their age, interest and maturity levels.

6. Can I read a book from a level below my year level?

You can read a book from a level below your year level if your teacher agrees. Students will be expected to read independently as far as possible, but will also be said to meet the Challenge if they complete the books with assistance from a parent, teacher, brother, sister, classmate, reading buddy or friend.

7. What provisions are made for students with special needs?

Students with special needs may employ assistive strategies to access materials - including books in Braille, enlarged print, audio books, assistance from reading buddies and teacher aides.

8. What incentive is there for the schools to promote the Challenge to their students?

For every student that registers in the Premier's Reading Challenge, their school will receive $10 towards their library for the purchase of books.

9. I would like to participate in the MS Readathon. Can I count the books I've read for the Premier's Reading Challenge?

Yes, any books read during the Premier's Reading Challenge may also be counted towards the MS Readathon.

10. What is the consent form for?

The Department of Education needs a parent or guardian's consent [PDF 142KB] to communicate directly in relation to the Challenge, and to allow students to participate in recognition, reward and media opportunities.