Reading for Pleasure
Reading for Pleasure is an initiative by the Emirates Literature Foundation to inspire the love of reading among students. In 2023, the Foundation launched a 5-year Reading for Pleasure pilot programme in six schools spanning KG1 to Grade 6 in Dubai. The programme comprises of a robust schedule of literacy activities for students, resources for parents and educators, and an academic research project designed with local university partners
About the Project
The programme is designed to cultivate a habit of reading outside of students’ academic curricula. Therefore, students are given access to books and time to read for fun, without being tested. This both relieves them of any stress that might come from reading that is done as part of schoolwork, along with the pressures of testing.
Research has proved that reading regularly provides a plethora of benefits for children, including:
- An increased vocabulary and enhanced grammar
- More empathy, tolerance and increased positivity
- Better mental and physical health
- Greater self-confidence and better insight into human nature
- A wider understanding of the world and their own and others’ cultures
- An ability to excel in academic studies such as maths, science, history, geography etc.
Students who read for pleasure develop a life-long love of knowledge and learning.
The Three Pillars
The Reading for Pleasure Project engages all three participants in the education process and ensures that every participant receives the support they need to create a reading-friendly environment both in school and at home.
Students
- Reading for Pleasure time at school:Students at participating schools have 10 minutes dedicated to reading for pleasure midday or at the end of the school day
- Classroom libraries:lassrooms in participating schools are equipped with a mini library, with new book selections arriving three times per school year
- Library development: School libraries are optimized with culturally-relevant and age-appropriate books, comfortable reading nooks, and lower bookshelves
- Authors visits: Monthly visits and interactive sessions by local children’s books authors
- Extracurricular activities: Book-themed school activities catering to all areas of interest and field trips to foster curiosity and practical learning
Teacher and Schools
- Professional development: Teachers at participating schools attend monthly professional development sessions with experts in reading for children
- Teacher feedback and support: Active dialogue between teachers, researchers, and the Foundation to identify key areas of pedagogical support
Parents
- Parent meetings: Monthly parent meetings and coffee mornings to share best-practices in child care
- Parents resources: Access to culturally-relevant children’s books for families, along with resources for educational activities at home
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