A pupil at Kinnaird Primary School in Larbert has won an award as part of the First Minister’s Reading Challenge.
Nicola Sturgeon recognised the achievements of participants at an event in Edinburgh yesterday (Wednesday), where Zach Henderson received the award for the lower primary pupil reading the most books.
Falkirk West MSP Michael Matheson congratulated Zach and encouraged more local schools to sign up to the challenge.
The Reading Challenge aims to build on the work already taking place in schools across the country to encourage children to explore a wide range of books and develop a love of reading.
Following an evaluation of the first year of the challenge, reading charity Scottish Book Trust is expanding it to secondary schools, libraries and community groups in the next academic year.
Mr Matheson said: “It’s fantastic that Zach’s effort has been recognised with an award from the First Minister and he should be very proud of his achievement.
“Almost 1000 primary schools across Scotland took part in the Reading Challenge this year, opening up a world of adventure and fun to young people while also giving them really important literacy, writing and language skills.
“I hope we can encourage even more children to enjoy the benefits of reading by signing up a growing number of schools from Falkirk district to the First Minister’s Reading Challenge.”
Ms Sturgeon added: “I’d like to congratulate all the schools who have taken part in this year’s challenge. They’ve all worked really hard over the past year and demonstrated great enthusiasm for reading.
“Raising attainment is at the heart of the Scottish Government’s work. That is why I launched the First Minister’s Reading Challenge – to encourage reading for pleasure from an early age which, in turn, helps improve children’s literacy.
“I look forward to the next year of the challenge, which will see even more people able to take part from secondary schools, libraries and community groups.”
