Join the Silly Squad – Summer Reading Challenge 2020

This year the Summer Reading Challenge has gone online to allow everyone to take part, even if they can’t get to their local library.

The Summer Reading Challenge website is free to access and a place for children to rate and review the books they are reading as they progress towards their reading goal.

The website features video content, games, quizzes and digital and downloadable activities to incentivise and encourage children to take part in the Challenge at home.

Summer Reading Challenge at Blackfen Community Library

If you’re able to, you are welcome to visit us at Blackfen Community Library every Tuesday and Thursday from 10am to 3pm. You can browse our books and select new ones to take home to help you complete the Summer Reading Challenge. Find out about visiting Blackfen Community Library with social distancing.

Why your child should take part in the Summer Reading Challenge

Did you know that 1 in 5 children in England cannot read well by the age of 11? Reading for fun improves literacy. Reading for pleasure is more important to children’s academic success than their parents’ level of education or socio-economic status.

Embedding a love of reading in children can help their wellbeing later in life. 19% of adult readers say that reading stops them feeling lonely. Studies have found that those who read for pleasure have higher levels of empathy, greater self-esteem and are better able to cope with difficult situations.

How you can help your child succeed with the Summer Reading Challenge

Use this opportunity to take time to share and talk about books as a family. Don’t forget to celebrate your child’s reading achievements. Sitting down with your own book, newspaper or magazine sets a good example to kids – they will copy you – and reading a book together can really encourage a love of stories.

Sign up now and get started on the Summer Reading Challenge.