Roll up, roll up for an entertainment extravaganza for kids – the Reading Challenge 2011, Circus Stars. It’s fun, it’s rewarding!

The Reading Challenge is the largest national reading promotion for young people taken up by around 85% libraries belonging to local authorities in the UK.  It runs through public libraries during the holidays. Each year it takes the form of a different game, this year it is known as Circus Stars, focusing on the theme taking to the stage.

WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO?

			download the application form. Applications can also be collected from 5 November to 3 December from 0900 onwards from the Library Help Desk.
			handover the duly completed application form to the staff at the Young Learners Centre (YLC) in Colombo and get yourself registered. Registrations start on Saturday 5 November 2011. Registration fee: Library members: Rs.500/- Non-members: Rs.1,000/- (Teaching Centre students only. Please produce your course payment receipt at the registration desk) Places are limited and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Register early!

TO BE A CIRCUS STAR

			You should have a valid Young Learners Membership card from the library in Colombo or be a student of the Teaching Centre Colombo (please produce your payment receipt at the registration desk)
			be between 7 - 15 years of age.
			visit us at the Young Learners Centre on Saturday 10 December 2011 at 0930 to register for the challenge and collect your first book

Once you join you will have to:

			participate in a review writing workshop held on Tuesday 13 December 2011 from 1000 to 1100. Find out more
			participate in the Magic Workshop held on Tuesday 13 December 2011 from 1130 to 1230. Find out more

A special collection of books will be available for participants of Circus Stars challenge

			access to this collection will only be through staff at the Young Learners Centre (YLC)
			you can borrow Circus Stars material from the YLC desk starting from Saturday 3 December 2011 books and gifts will be issued only during the following time periods:     • Tuesday to Friday - 1430 to 1700     • Saturday - 0900 to 1700     • Sunday - 0900 to 1600
			the book you borrow to take part in the reading game will be counted into the total number of books you can borrow on the YLC membership card. Therefore during the period of this game you can borrow only three other YLC books on your card
			books borrowed as part of the game needs to be directly returned to the YLC desk and NOT to the main circulation counters
			Circus Stars book – MUST be returned on or before the date stamped on the label inside the book. These books are issued for 7 days  The other books that you borrow from the circulation counter will be issued for 3 weeks as usual. These books should be returned to the main circulation counters.
			if you are unable to complete reading the book within the seven days you may request for an extension which must be made by e-mail or fax on or before the due date. Fines will be charged as normal if you fail to return the book by th edue date or date extended to.
			if you decide to drop out of the game half way – you MUST return all books borrowed and inform the YLC staff so that we can offer your place to another member on our waiting list.

GIFTS

			Circus stars Mug and Stickers
			Sixth book – Certificate and Gold Medal

NOTE FOR PARENTS
Please ensure that the books are read so that your kids reap the maximum benefit from this exercise.

There will not be an official prize giving for the awarding of certificates. Once the child completes the 6^th (final) book he/she will be given the certificate and medal at the YLC.

WHY KIDS LOVE IT!

			A regular trip to the library becomes a highlight of the holiday. It’s not just about the books. They really enjoy the stickers and gifts.
			Letting them choose their own books gives children a chance  to express themselves and gain confidence. You’ll notice the difference!
			Circus Stars is all about fun – discovering the joy of books. Once they get the reading bug, there’s no stopping them!
			The Summer Reading Challenge is just the start! Now’s a good time to join too.

Let your child become a member of our library and sign them up for the game, and your child will receive a special folder to keep track of his/her challenge. There are all kinds of other Circus Stars goodies too (including stickers) to keep them interested and have some fun this summer.

With the Circus Stars website. Kids can travel beyond the books to discover games, activities, and internet fun, including tips about what to read next, swapping messages about books, and some exclusive blogs from top children’s authors!

LOOKING FOR MORE GAMES AND ACTIVITIES?
Visit the LearnEnglishkids website which has loads of fun things to help develop your child’s English language skills. There’s advice and support for you too!