1. Please note:
Thank you for promoting and participating in The Summer Reading Challenge, Please contact your local library staff for more information.
The links within this presentation will only work when you are in slide show mode.
You will need access to the internet when using this slide show for the links to work.
Photos © Dale Cherry for The Reading Agency with thanks to Crawley Library

2. The Summer Reading Challenge
The Summer Reading Challenge takes place every year in libraries over the summer holidays.
Each year there is a different theme and name. This year, libraries everywhere are celebrating 100 years of the world’s favourite storyteller Roald Dahl, and the Summer Reading Challenge 2016 is called:

3. How it works
Each child (aged 4-11) signs up at their local library
Children borrow and read at least SIX library books during the summer, collecting special cards and rewards along the way
Children can read any library books of THEIR choice. They don’t have to be Roald Dahl books.
Library staff and volunteers provide guidance and encouragement
Children receive a medal and/or a certificate when they complete the Challenge
Children can read any books from their library of THEIR choice. The theme is what motivates children to take part, but any books, fiction, non- fiction, picture books, graphic novels – they all count. Children are free to choose and there are no levels. It is completely inclusive.
Please check with your library as some libraries are not able to offer medals.
Please also check where the medal ceremony takes place or if your library would like to hold the celebration assembly in school.

4. Participation
More than 800,000 children took part in the Summer Reading Challenge 2015
44% of participants were boys
Over 81,000 children signed up as new library members
Taking part this year:
99% of English authorities
100% of Welsh authorities
93% of Scottish authorities

5. Beautifully illustrated materials
Collector folder and limited edition cards illustrated by Quentin Blake
The materials the children receive from the library are of extremely high quality and beautifully illustrated with original artwork by Quentin Blake.

6. Trailer
Click on the centre of the picture to play the trailer – this will only work when you are in slide show mode
The trailer is also available on the children’s website and the main Reading Agency website.
If you can’t access YouTube then contact summerreadingchallenge.org.uk and we will arrange to let you have the trailer in an alternative format

7. It’s fun! It’s free! It’s local!
Take part this summer
Insert local library address
Insert your opening hours
Insert date the challenge begins at the library
It’s fun! It’s free! It’s local!
Please check times and dates with the local libraries that your families will use.
Why not get teaching colleagues to take part too and really inspire the pupils? Join the library and read six books ( children’s or adults). Read for pleasure on holiday or develop your knowledge of children’s books and find your next class read.

8. Key benefits for schools
Enhances and supports the mission for all children to read widely and for pleasure
Encourages parental engagement and family involvement in reading
Helps schools make links with their local library and the wider community
Contributes to the achievement of ALL pupils including Special Educational Needs, disadvantaged pupils and the most able
Can be the start of a child’s reading journey
Prevents the tendency for children’s reading to dip over the holidays
Fully aligned with core aspirations of schools; supports inclusion, achievement, progress, family and wider community engagement, creativity, accountability and evaluation
Can help prevent children ‘going backwards’ over the holidays - impacts on progress and attainment
Helps maintain the gains made by pupils who have had extra support or reading interventions. Great for boys and pupils with specific difficulties e.g. Dyslexia but also excellent for able pupils
Important for transition years: KS1 to KS2 and Y6 to Y7

9. Schools Resources www.readingagency.org.uk/schools
Schools Pack, including activity sheets
School assembly PowerPoint
Newsletter templates
Class activities and The Big Friendly Read Chatterbooks pack
Posters and family leaflets
Advocacy card
The Reading Agency provides everything schools need to promote the Challenge to pupils and families. Introducing families to their library is one of the most useful things teachers and schools can do.
It is ideal to work in conjunction with your library staff but not all libraries have the capacity to visit every school. Please talk to your local library to find out.

10. Visit the website
A year round school resource with a summer makeover to reflect the Challenge
Children can create a profile and earn badges online for books read
Search for their next read using the Book Sorter
Enter competitions with stories written by top children’s authors
Watch video clips of authors and illustrators
Facebook page for parents, carers and supporters
The Summer Reading Challenge website works very well on interactive whiteboards in class and is great to use in the run up to the Challenge.
The website can be accessed all year, every year at

11. Schools and Libraries Together
Introducing your pupils and their families to their local library is one of the best things you can do as a teacher. Thank you for promoting and participating in The Summer Reading Challenge.

12. Party Time Full details of the Roald Dahl Museum offer:
13 September is Roald Dahl Day You can register your interest in downloading a special Roald Dahl Party Pack online at: roalddahl.com/party
Full details of the Roald Dahl Museum offer:
The Roald Dahl Museum has kindly offered free weekend entry to EVERY child who is taking part in the Summer Reading Challenge during the summer holiday period (25 June to 4 September). To take advantage of this offer, children will need to bring with them either their collector folder or an item that shows they are taking part in the Summer Reading Challenge (e.g. the bookmark or wristband).  The invitation will not be proof of participation. Older children taking part through Reading Hack will need to show their Reading Hack lanyard or log book. Any adults accompanying children will have to pay.   Visitors can ring the museum to  pre-book their admission and mention that they have a child participating in the Summer Reading Challenge (they’ll will still need to bring proof of their participation with them) or, if not pre-booked, they’ll just need to show folder, bookmark or wristband when buying tickets on the door.   The museum is open Saturday and Sunday 11am to 5pm  Normal admission prices are: Adults £6.60         Children 5 to 18 £4.40        Children under 5 Free 
Children taking part in the Summer Reading Challenge can also enjoy free weekend entry to the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre