Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the Premier's Reading Challenge?

A: Premier's Reading Challenges have taken off around Australia as a fun and effective way of improving the literacy of students. The Tasmanian PRC started in 2008. It is not a competition, but a challenge to each student to read, to read more and to read more widely. This is a challenge for all readers in prep to grade 6 regardless of their reading level.

Q: Who is the Challenge for?

A: All Tasmanian primary school students in prep to grade 6, including home school students.

Q: How many books do I need to read to meet the Challenge?

A: You need to read at least ten books between 22 June and 28 August (that's one book a week for ten weeks).

Q: What does it cost?

A: Nothing, it is free to take part in the Premier's Reading Challenge.

Q: Can I still participate, even if my school has not registered for the Challenge?

A: Yes. Individual and home school students can participate, as long as their parent or guardian registers them by 26 June.

Q: Why isn't there a PRC booklist?

A: We provided a booklist in 2008 - this list is still available for use and can be found on this website. However from your feedback, we also found that some people found the booklist too restrictive. We have therefore decided that it is fairer to allow you to choose your own books (provided that they are suitable to your age and reading level) and to allow non-fiction as well as fiction.

Q: Is there an incentive to schools?

A: No, the incentive offered to schools in 2008 is not available in 2009.

Q: What type of books count towards the Challenge?

A: Any books that are age appropriate and considered suitable by either a parent, teacher or librarian. This includes fiction (novels, poetry, etc.) and non-fiction (biography, sport, science, etc.). Formats such as large-print, audio and Braille are also acceptable for students who are vision or learning impaired. Books written in a language other than English also count.

Q: Can I read more than 10 books?

A: Yes! Ten is a minimum which you need to read in order to complete the Challenge. But don't stop reading after 10 books, keep on going if you can.

Q: Can books that I read for the MS Readathon or other school programs count towards the Premier's Reading Challenge?

A: Yes. As long as you have read them between 22 June and 28 August, all books that you read can count towards the Premier's Reading Challenge.

Q: If I can read any book, what is stopping me from reading ten really easy books?

A: To get the most out of this challenge, you need to see this as a personal challenge, as well as one set by the Premier. If you find it easy to read ten books in ten weeks then set yourself the goal of reading books that you know might be more difficult, are by authors you haven't read before or are about topics that you do not know much about. Remember that this is about you reading more and reading more widely.

Q: What if I don't find reading easy?

A: Stick with it! Students are expected to read independently as far as possible, but will also be said to meet the Challenge if they complete books with help from a parent, teacher, brother, sister, classmate, reading buddy or friend. Remember to keep trying - there are books out there that you will like, but sometimes they are hard to find and you need to keep looking.

Q: What if I am a student with special needs?

A: Students with special needs may employ assistive strategies to access materials - including books in Braille, enlarged print, audio books, assistance from reading buddies and teacher aides.

Q: What do I get when I finish the Challenge?

A: Every student who completes the Challenge will go into the draw to win an iPod and audio book voucher, will receive a special 2009 Premier's Reading Challenge certificate and will have the chance to attend an official certificate presentation.