EDB launches Summer Reading Programme
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A spokesman for the EDB said, "The EDB has been promoting 'Reading to Learn' through various measures to support schools' implementation of diversified reading activities, thereby developing students' reading interest and habits from a young age to enhance their reading skills and learning capabilities."
The spokesman said, "Due to the deferral of class resumptions caused by COVID-19, schools adopted various learning modes to support students' learning at home. As the summer holiday is approaching, the EDB launches the 'Gift Book Pilot Scheme (2020)' to offer free printed books to all primary and secondary students in the public sector (including special schools) and Direct Subsidy Scheme (DSS) schools, with an aim to encourage leisure reading anytime and anywhere during the summer holiday, and nurture students' good reading habits. The Scheme has the full support from the Hong Kong Publishing Federation."
The EDB hopes that schools can make effective use of the printed books offered by the EDB in the Gift Book Pilot Scheme (2020) to set the objectives and directions for reading activities in the next school year, such as arranging sharing sessions to encourage students to exchange their views on the books. Schools may also organise class-based/level-based book crossing activities to help students develop a sense of gratitude and learn to cherish what they have, thereby nurturing their positive values.
The EDB will offer a one-off grant to all public sector (including special schools) and DSS schools in accordance with the number of Primary One - Primary Six/Secondary One - Secondary Five students of each school. The total expenditure involved will be about $60 million. Schools are required to select appropriate printed books from the EDB's designated book lists for their students. Each student will be given one book so that they can enjoy reading during the summer vacation.
The printed books cover four themes, namely Chinese history and culture, healthy living, moral education and STEM education. Relevant information has been uploaded to the EDB's Summer Reading Programme webpage (www.edb.gov.hk/SummerReadingProgramme).
In addition, to support schools' promotion of extensive reading, schools can participate in the free use of Hong Kong Education City's eRead Scheme from July 16 to December 31. The eRead Scheme is a school-based e-book subscription service for primary and secondary schools. It provides a wide range of quality Chinese and English e-books in various categories and levels. Teachers and students of the participating schools have unlimited access to 100 books during the service period. The reading platform will record the reading data of each student for teachers to better understand students' reading habits so as to devise appropriate strategies for promoting reading.
Ends/Thursday, June 18, 2020
Issued at HKT 18:17
Issued at HKT 18:17
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