45
Findings:
Successes:
All partners reported on the successes of the lifelong readers programme. Key themes
included: increased pupil interest levels, reading for enjoyment, enriched reading
culture in schools, parental involvement and reading during school holidays.
1.
Increased Pupil Interest Levels:
All partners reported a rise in pupils interest levels in reading. Evidence of this was found
through the Reading Habits Evaluation Tool. Some of the comments from our partners
included:
“It was surprising that the 12 year olds, who usually are tired in the afternoon and for
this reason very excited and noisy during the classes, were listening carefully to each
other during the Cacao Book Discussion Club with my Favourite Book activity; they made
comments, gave additional information about the books presented. “I never had such
order in those classes as during the Cacao Book Discussion Club activity”, shared her
experience the teacher who implemented this activity.” (Austria)
“According to the findings, pupils after the implementation checked out books for the
library every day in a 33%, while before the implementation 1-2 times a week in a
greater percentage.” (Greece)
2nd Grade Teacher: “And having a small library and checking out books… this way [the
children] developed certain attitudes. The library, the librarian, checking out and
returning a book… this way they acquire some attitudes and skills they will need in the
future. They are not satisfied anymore when we tell them “pick a book from the
classroom library and sit and read.” I can see that we lose them a little bit there, while
whenever I bring them here [to the central library] their mind-set is completely
different.” (Cyprus)
“All staff that were interviewed concluded that the programme had been successful in
enhancing current provision with the opening of the new school library being heralded
as a key factor in this:
‘children were missing their lunch because they were so excited to get to the library’ and
‘constantly ask me to get books by particular authors’. “ (UK)
“70% of the students took part in the activities and we could notice much interest and
much fun in common reading and knowing new things.” (Poland)
