Here at Rangi Ruru, we are determined to create a vibrant community of readers who love to read and want to read knowing that reading will not only improve their vocabulary but enrich their writing, enhancing their curiosity and understanding of our world.

Our generous April break is a perfect time to establish or continue a reading tradition in your whanau.

Here are some ideas to support you on a reading journey:

• Role model reading books – adults need to be seen to read regularly, and talk about what they are reading.
• A daily reading time, when TV/Laptop/mobile phones are switched off, or create opportunities for reading to happen organically each day.
• Listen to an audio book when travelling to and from school/sport or on holiday (download to phone or iPad).
• Listen to a family audio book, one that is suitable for all listeners and you can talk about. Listening to an audio book has the same benefits as reading a book. Gibson Library (accessit.online) gives you access to ebooks from our eplatform.
• Let students choose what they read or listen to; it could be fiction, non-fiction, poetry, plays, comics, graphic novels.
• Keep your options open and encourage having more than one book available to read at any one time, it reinforces the notion of choice and caters for mood – which is a great influencer on reading choice.
• Find out what is ‘trending’ for teenagers reading, endorsement of the peer group is the key motivator when students are choosing books.
• Read the same books as your children, great for having conversations.

Gibson Library (accessit.online) gives you access to e-books from our e-platform.

Twenty minutes out of a 24-hour period is really not that long and see what a difference it can make!

So, here’s to a break that makes some space for reading.