Premier's Reading Challenge fun for families

Get your children reading by taking part in the 2023 Premier’s Reading Challenge (PRC), inspiring students of all reading abilities to read for pleasure and learning. The Premier's Reading Challenge opens in Term 2. Read the key dates. 

Apart from the lifelong benefits of reading, students who complete the challenge will receive a Certificate of Achievement signed by the Premier. There are also $10,500 worth of book vouchers up for grabs! 

Eligibility 

The annual state-wide initiative is open to Queensland state and non-state schools, home-educated students from Prep to Year 9, as well as children (aged up to 5 years) enrolled in an early childhood centre.  

Instructions can be found on the Downloads and forms page. Select from school, individual or early childhood centre information kits for a guide on how to participate and use the database. 

To successfully complete the challenge, students are required to read or experience the number of books indicated below during the reading period from 8 May to 25 August. 

• Prep to Year 2 - read or experience 20 books 

• Years 3 to 4 - read  20 books 

• Years 5 to 9 - read 15 books 

Early childhood centres can also join in the fun by tallying the total number of experiences children have with books or other literacy activities over the dedicated early childhood participation week – 14 to 25 August. 

Families at home are also encouraged to join the reading challenge and celebrate children’s reading success.  

Getting started 

An information kit is available for each category with all the details about how to register and download reader record forms.  

Choosing your books 

Children can choose their own books and there’s also plenty of reading inspiration in the extensive book lists created by teacher librarians.  

Borrow a book from your school or visit your local public library.  Library staff can help you choose a book to suit you. The wide range of resources includes picture books, novels, ebooks, eaudiobooks, graphic novels, magazines, braille and books in other languages.    

Encouraging children to read 

Parents, guardians, teachers, aides, siblings, student buddies and classmates play an important role in encouraging students to develop a love of reading. Here are some ideas to help: 

• Make time to read aloud to your child every day, even for a few minutes 

• Show the importance of reading in your daily life and let your child see you read—not only books but recipes, newspapers and text messages for example 

• Browse a bookstore together 

• Ensure reading time is fun and exciting 

• Visit the local library and let your child choose their own books. 

For more practical tips and ideas about reading and early literacy for younger readers visit the First 5 Forever website.  

Get ready to join in the reading fun with the 2023 Premier’s Reading Challenge!