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Primary Program

Books in Homes- > PROGRAMS > Primary Program

Program Description

The Books in Homes® Primary Program typically runs in primary schools with students aged 5-12 years old. The Primary Program operates in Terms 1, 2 and 4.

Key Components

The key components of the Primary Program are:

To involve whole school communities in creating a “value” for reading
To support schools to increase student attendance
To motivate families and students to view reading as an “everyday” activity
To support primary school children, living in remote and low socio-economic areas, by giving them equal access to books-of-choice as their more advantaged peers
To create a legacy of books-of-choice in remote and low socio-economic homes.

Program Benefits

Some of the benefits of the Primary Program are that it:

Empowers students to choose books they are excited to read that align with their tastes and interests
Introduces new, fun and high quality books into traditionally “bookless” homes
Allows students to start building home libraries and encourages sharing between siblings
Normalises reading both at home and at school, and provides the foundation for the development of literacy skills especially when students read and re-read their favourite books
Facilitates bonding, engagement and conversation between students and their parents or carers via shared reading activities
Fosters creativity and enjoyment through reading
Invokes the student’s imagination
Helps students develop their concentration, self discipline and perseverance
Facilitates a positive emotional connection to beloved books so that students are more likely to remember them with warmth and nostalgia as they grow up
Provides access to contemporary stories, characters and themes that are inclusive and relevant
Provides access to non-fiction books that are topical and contain current research
Provides students with the ability to entertain themselves
Enhances cultural connection via the 25% Indigenous book offering on the Program
Opens students up to asking questions about other societies, traditions and cultural thinking
Encourages assimilation of refugee students by introducing Australian Standard English (ASE) language, and exposing and encouraging them to learn about Australian culture and values
Builds an expectation of the chosen books and what they will offer, and creates anticipation and excitement when students wait for the arrival of their books prior to the Book Giving Assembly
Introduces students to Role Models from all walks of life and professions who share inspirational life stories because of books and reading
Gives students a sense of achievement for entering and / or winning the Role Model Competition
Provides students with a sense of achievement for being rewarded for good behaviour and effort via the Caught Being Good Program.

Program Components

The Primary Program provides the following every year:

Three Preview Packs of 48 books in four reading levels – Each Preview Pack allows students to view all the books on offer prior to making their selections. The Preview Packs (144 books in total) are then donated to the school library for all to access.
Book Catalogues – Glossy A4 Book Catalogues are distributed in the Preview Packs to students each term. They include information on the book titles, an order form, a Thank You to Sponsors, as well as the opportunity for students to enter the Role Model Competition and win one of 25 book packs. You can view the current Primary Catalogue here.
Books for Students – Each participating student receives nine books per year (three books in each of Terms 1, 2 and 4). They may include picture books, novels, non-fiction, drawing books, how-to books, Indigenous themes and special interest books.
Book Labels – Books in Homes provides a label or name plate for each book, which emphasises the two most important characteristics of the Books in Homes program—choice and ownership.
Book Bags – Each term students receive a sturdy waterproof bag to keep and to protect their books.
Caught Being Good Books and Certificates – Books in Homes provides additional books and certificates for educators to use as tangible incentives and rewards. This presents reading in a positive light and ensures it is at the forefront of a student’s mind.

Cost

The Program provides the following each year to each participating primary school: