Library challenge

BL’s 10 library books

Anyone else in the UK taking part in the library challenge?

Every year, the children are really keen to join in. Each year, they complete it. Although they each approach the challenge in a slightly different way.

The challenge is to read six books over the summer and, in return, the children earn stickers for their chart. Once all six are read, then they are given a medal, certificate and a wrist band.

BL is keen. She likes the stickers, but I suspect its the books that really motivate her.

TF’s four library books

TF has been a reluctant reader. He’d prefer to read books that are ahead of his level. He loves the stickers. Last year they gave out ones that smelt of garlic and other strange fragrances, which he loved. Oh to be a 7 year old boy! This time, he really was not interested in selecting books. It was left to me. I aired on the side of caution and didn’t choose anything too challenging.

By the time, we had arrived home, he had finished his first book. To say I’m surprised is a huge understatement. By the time I had cooked supper, he’d finished the second. Best of all he is pleased with himself and loved the stories. I hardly like to say it, but maybe this is the turning point for him.

AJ’s 17 library books

This is the first year that AJ has not been able to join in the challenge. She’s too old! Usually she organizes the others and keeps them motivated. It has been a tough year for her. Where before she would have read books as if they were going out of fashion, this year she has not.

Today she just wasn’t keen about going to the library. I don’t think it was the lack of stickers or challenge. I contemplated leaving her behind, but I’m glad I didn’t. Once she found herself between the bookshelves, her mood soon changed as she found more and more titles that she had been looking for. There was a glimpse of her former self. Books have that magic.

We have books. Lots of library books. I’m following se7en‘s good example and photographing the books before they disappear into bedrooms. So much easier finding a missing book, when not only the title, but the colour is in a photo. If it works for eight library-loving children, then it has to be a good system for my three.

So anyone else, in the UK,  joining in the library challenge?