The Cairns Post

RAISE A READER

JOIN OUR CAMPAIGN:

- PATRICK TADROS

PARENTS want their children to spend more time with their heads stuck between the pages of a book as the battle against screen time reaches new highs.

The Cairns Post and Australia Post are encouragin­g Australian families to “Raise a Reader” this January, with the campaign across News Corp Australia newspapers highlighti­ng the importance of building literacy skills among children.

As part of the campaign, children across Australia will be asked to write a letter to an Australian legend of their choice with the chance to win prizes from Australia Post and News Corp Australia.

Ash Mayes, 6, and his older sister Ella, 7, are excited about joining in the campaign.

Cairns bookseller Maree Giles says reading teaches and entertains young minds, and builds imaginatio­n.

“Reading is a wonderful pastime; it can be relaxing and informativ­e and stimulatin­g and broadens your horizons without having to move” she said.

From sporting heroes to film stars, Cairns kids are encouraged to think about what they would want to ask the Aussie legend of their choice, given the chance.

They can put pen to paper as part of the campaign, which aims to set kids up with a solid foundation for a lifetime of reading and writing. See Friday’s edition of the Cairns Post for details on how to enter.

 ??  ??
 ?? Picture: PETER CARRUTHERS ?? TOP WRITERS: Cairns kids Ash, 6, and Ella, 7, Mayes have been practising their reading and writing during the school holidays.
Picture: PETER CARRUTHERS TOP WRITERS: Cairns kids Ash, 6, and Ella, 7, Mayes have been practising their reading and writing during the school holidays.
 ??  ??

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Australia