Helping NZ become the world’s most literate nation

Who are you reading to tonight?

Former NZ Children’s Commissioner Roger McClay is the patron of a substantial campaign to improve literacy through the encouragement of family reading in all NZ homes.

“I can think of few better ways for children and adults to bond, re-bond and bond again, than for regular sessions of reading together.

“It is a mutually expressive act of love and dedication. It reinforces commitment as a parent and grandparent. It allows for the exploration of life, love and commitment itself.

“Children surely have a right to have the total and uninterrupted attention of their mums and dads regularly and for extended periods. Reading to your child does just that.”

From September the Villa Education Trust are running the campaign which involves families subscribing and committing to make reading aloud a habitual part of family life. This should lead to encouragement for families who already do read regularly to their children as well as encouraging others start a new habit.

Schools who get involved receive an atlas and a dictionary from Harpercollins and credit for each family that registers from their school. Posters and material will be sent to early childhood centres and schools who support their families and promote Read to your Kids.

The aim of Read to your Kids is:

• To raise awareness of the value of reading aloud to children.

• To help NZ children become better readers.

• To improve adult awareness of their responsibility as literacy role models.

• To support NZers in improving the quality of family life.

Family Registration is $20 and the fee is a donation to a Charitable Trust so a tax receipt is available.

For the registration families receive an information pack valued at more than $40.

The pack includes:

1.    A 40 page booklet containing information on:

• Benefits of reading to your kids.

• Suggested methods – when, what, age.

• Recommended book lists.

• Ideas and inspiration.

2.    Book (A list of 10 will be provided to choose one from that will be sent to the family).

3.    Family bookmark and pen.

4.    Continuing 20-25 per cent discount for HarperCollins Books.

5.    Vouchers for parents.

For more information or to register go to www.readtoyourkids.co.nz