kidsREAD programme to be expanded

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http://www.todayonline.com/Singapore/EDC120525-0000098/kidsREAD-programme-to-be-expanded

The National Library Board announced today that the kidsREAD programme would be expanded to help young children from low-income families cultivate a love for reading and improve their language skills.

Children aged 4 to 8 will stay on the reading programme for five years instead of one, allowing the children to build a stronger foundation in early literacy as they move from preschool into primary school.

To support this, the Education Ministry aims to double the number of primary school kidsREAD clubs 2013.

Currently, there are 43 reading clubs in primary schools, with 130 secondary school students serving as volunteers.

The volunteers read to the children for an hour every week.

MOE will also increase the number of student volunteers under the "Values in Action" programme which encourages the inculcation of values through community involvement.

The ministry will encourage students from secondary schools and junior colleges to open and adopt a kidsREAD club in primary schools near them.

The kidsREAD programme has reached out to more than 16,000 children since its launch in 2004.

Children who have participated in this programme showed considerable improvements in their language skills and ability in articulating their thoughts confidently.

There are currently 124 reading clubs in student care centres, community centres and PAP Community Foundation centres islandwide.