📖 Independent reading or having books read aloud is incredibly important. This vital skill not only enhances children's literacy but also fosters a love for learning that can last a lifetime 📚🫶🏻
📈 Research consistently shows that reading has a profound impact on children’s academic success and personal development. In Ireland, a recent study revealed that Primary School students who engage in regular reading activities outperform their peers in literacy by up to 20% (Department of Education, 2022). Furthermore, children who read for pleasure are more likely to develop critical thinking skills, creativity, and greater empathy as they engage with diverse characters and narratives.
📈 The results also indicate that kids who are read to regularly have improved vocabulary, reading comprehension, and overall academic performance. A significant 2019 survey by the National Literacy Trust found that 68% of children who read daily outside of school reported feeling more confident in their reading abilities. Confidence, as we know, plays a crucial role in a child’s ability to engage with their education fully.
📚To further promote these essential skills, our school is excited to participate in the MS Readathon this year. It has started on the 1st of November 2025 and will run until the 15th of December 2025. There is still time to sign up. You have an option to fundraise online, or offline, or not at all and just focus on the reading aspect of it. Junior Infants-6th Class are encouraged to join. Thus far, a week in, we have 28 students registered online, a total of 74 books read and a staggering 💰 €1,026 raised 👏🏼 from generous sponsors!
🤝 This initiative not only encourages children to read more but also fosters a sense of community and support for those affected by Multiple Sclerosis (MS). While fundraising is an important and wonderful aspect, we advise parents to encourage their children to simply participate for the joy of reading and the positive habits it instills.
🥰 In addition to this, taking part in the Readathon can serve as an excellent motivation for children. Watching their friends and classmates engage with stories and share their experiences can prompt discussions about books at home, creating a reading-rich environment.
🌍 Just think about the countless adventures, knowledge, and friendships that await your child between the pages of a book! Whether it’s in the form of a bedtime story, a quiet reading session at the kitchen table, following along with the words while listening to an audio book, or exploring any of our local libraries (Mountmellick, Tullamore or Portarlington) together, every moment spent reading helps shape their future.
💭We encourage you to spend some time discussing favourite books, authors, and stories with your child. You may also want to consider creating a reading schedule, setting aside dedicated time for reading each day. Remember, the goal is not just to read more but to cultivate an enthusiasm for literature, imagination, and storytelling.
🙌🏼 Thank you for your continuous support in promoting literacy in our school community. Let’s work together to nurture our children’s reading habits and and ensure they are set up for lifelong success.
📱⬇️ Here’s the link to our school fundraise page
https://www.msreadathon.ie/join/cloneygowannationalschool
