Embarking on a Reading Adventure with the Book Quest Challenge
At St Peter’s Woodlands, we’re passionate about supporting our students as they grow into confident, independent readers. In Term 3, we launched an exciting new program called the Book Quest Challenge for Year 2 students who are ready to take the next step in their reading journey.
Reading is a gateway to imagination and knowledge, and we believe this transition—from classroom reader sets to choosing their own books—is an important milestone in every child’s development. For many, this can be both thrilling and a little daunting, and that’s where the Book Quest Challenge steps in.
What Is the Book Quest Challenge?
The Book Quest Challenge is a four-week program designed to guide children as they navigate the wealth of reading options in our library. Children are placed into small groups as they complete the reader sets within the classroom. Through short weekly sessions held in the library with Mrs Lindy Francis, Teacher Librarian, and Mrs Jo Hirst, Instructional Coach, students learn essential skills for selecting books from the library that suit their interests and reading level.
Each week focuses on a specific theme to empower children:
Session 1: Where Do All the Books Live? – Students explore the library and learn how to find different types of books.
Session 2: Is This Book a Good Fit? – They discover strategies to choose books that are both enjoyable and appropriately challenging.
Session 3: What Am I Interested In? – Students reflect on their personal interests and locate books that match them.
Session 4: What Clues Help Me Choose a Book? – Using book covers, summaries, and genres, they gain confidence in making great book choices.
A Shared Journey
One of the joys of this program is how it can connect students, parents, and teachers in a shared language around home reading. As children bring their chosen books home, we encourage families to continue reading aloud together. This not only enhances fluency and vocabulary but also creates precious moments of connection and joy.
To date, many Year 2 students have completed the program and received their Book Quest Certificate to celebrate their achievement. The remainder of the cohort will participate at the start of Year 3, ensuring every child has the support they need to access books from the library on their journey to becoming an independent reader.
How You Can Support
Parents play a vital role in nurturing a love of reading. We encourage you to visit the library with your child before or after school, discuss the strategies they’ve learned, and help them log their daily reading in their Student Reading Log or Student Diary.
We’re so proud of what the students have achieved so far and look forward to seeing their confidence and enthusiasm grow as they embark on this exciting new chapter of their reading journey.
For more information about Book Quest Challenge, you can view our information brochure or please don’t hesitate to reach out to Lindy Francis. Happy reading!
Article by Lindy Francis, Teacher Librarian