This cross-curricular activity that included the BM and BI departments to stimulate literacy amongst our focus groups Years 1-3. It is not easy to attract kids to reading when flashy video games captivate the majority of their thoughts and attention. Yet as it has been stated, "A mind is a terrible thing to waste." Moreover, it has been proven through numerous studies, Students who have strong literacy skills in their native language will learn English faster. Therefore, instead of being English exclusive, we took an English inclusive approach with the BM department.
The contest was launched during morning assembly two weeks ago. Students got encouraged by chanting, "I love Ramadhan and I love to read." Years 1-3 were informed 10 books will be placed in the book basket. The books were an even mixture of BM and English. This was an attempt to increase accessibility and so far it is working like a gem. On Thursdays, the class monitor must return the basket to the library and Sunday a new basket with fresh titles are loaned. A weekly cycle of the baskets allows T. Salma to monitor book condition as well gauge popularity. Not to mention, it gives fresh titles to the pupils which increases the chances of attracting even the pickiest of readers.
Another feature of the programme is story time. During the beloved month of Ramadhan, since the canteen is closed many people had some extra time on their hands. This was a great opportunity to feed those hungry young minds with books and stories. I read, "Captain Bear" one week and "Underground " and "The Lion is King" the next. As a diehard Chicago Bears fan, it was easy to infuse excitement in a riveting story about an eco-superhero bear. We had great fun learning new words and putting actions to verbs whenever possible. As an additional benefit, students were able to record the story we read together as a title read for the SKBA Book Contest.
The programme has increased participation in the existing Nilam programme by 30% for students years 1-3. Some students have neither interest nor the funds to purchase a Nilam book for RM1.50; however, in the spirit of inclusion they get free SKBA Book Contest form so they too can participate and have a chance at winning in a prize in the two month long contest. The month of Ramadhan saw an increase readership in Arabic (the Quran), BM and English for Years 1-3 at SKBA. Keep up the good work Teacher Salma!
Any book that helps a child to form a habit of reading, to make reading one of his deep and continuing needs, is good for him.
–Maya Angelou
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