State Member for Morayfield, Mark Ryan MP, is encouraging local schools and students to take part in the Premier’s Reading Challenge that gets underway this week.

“We know how important reading is to children’s learning and development and the Premier’s Challenge is a great way to get children hooked,” Mr Ryan said.

“I hope that all kids will use this as an opportunity to read avidly and develop a love of books and reading.

“More than 150,000 students from all over Queensland took part in the challenge last year and read almost two million books.

“This year, we are hoping for even better and I hop local students will play a big role in that.”

The Premier’s Reading Challenge is open to students from state and non-state schools and runs from 16 May to 26 August 2016.

“This is all about encouraging our students to develop a love of books for life,” Mr Ryan said.

“The earlier we engage children in reading, the better start they will have to their education.

“Children in early childhood centres can also participate by sharing group reading experiences.

“Prep to Year 2 students will aim to read or experience 20 books, Years 3 to 4 will aim to read 20 books and Years 5 to 9 will aim to read 15 books, reflecting the longer and more challenging books read by this age group,” Mr Ryan said.

Queensland schools and early childhood centres can register for the challenge online at www.education.qld.gov.au/schools/readingchallenge/