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Room 5 and 6 Reading Challenge

Hi everyone,

As discussed with students today, rooms 5 and 6 will be embarking on a home reading challenge. Through the literacy program, ‘Reading…Give it a Shot!’, students track their reading and receive collectable Canadian Wildlife, or Calgary Flames trading cards. Students will receive one card for every two hours (120 minutes) of home reading. Each set has 24 cards, and the goal is for each student to collect all 24.



The outcomes of this program include the following:

  • Students read more than their minimum requirements and get hooked on the experience and joy of reading!
  • Students respond to various genres/texts.
  • Students are introduced to new vocabulary.
  • Students take responsibility for their own learning.   


As discussed today, here is the outline for our reading challenge. Students have been given a reading log. Each time they read at home students will:

  1. Record the date.
  2. Record the number of minutes they read.
  3. Have a parent initial.
  4. Keep a running tally of total minutes read.


After that, it's up to you. If you would like to claim a card each time to read for two hours, that's fine. If you'd like to wait and redeem several cards when you have read for the required time that's fine too.

Remember, you choose what you read! Books, magazines, graphic novels, newspapers, CBC Kids News are all great options. This is a great time in your life when you can read what you like. We encourage you to try different genres and topics, but the most important thing is that you challenge yourself. We have thousands of books at Taradale School, so the possibilities are endless.

We understand that people learn in different ways and at different paces. As we tell the students, the only way to get better at something is to do it. The only way to become a good reader is to read on a regular basis - every day! Ultimately we would like to see all students develop a joy for reading. Literacy skills are the basis for all academic learning, and these skills carry over into adulthood. We encourage families to get involved and read with their children. Leading by example is the best way to encourage and nurture life-long learners and readers.

If you have any questions, please let us know.

Happy Reading!

Ms. Hansen and Mr. Duncan

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