Primary – Reading Program: Book Reference Time (BRT) Phase 1
Last week, from Wednesday to Friday, October 15-17, our library was filled with excitement as primary students enjoyed the first Book Reference Time (BRT) of the year. This event is a special celebration for students after they finish reading a book, with the main goal of this first phase being to show everyone that reading is a fun and happy activity. During BRT, students got to share the story of the book they read with a friendly reading coach.
The conversation with the reading coach then went a little deeper. The coach asked questions like, “What was your favourite part and why?” or “What would you have done if you were the main character?” These questions helped students do more than just recall the story. They started to explain their thoughts, connect different parts of the book, and show they truly understood the sequence of events and the characters’ feelings. This helped turn their simple memory of the book into a deeper comprehension.
For many students, the joy of reading also came to life through their creativity. They didn’t just talk about their books; they showed pop-up cards and other art they made during their reading activities. Creating these projects and explaining their choices, like why they picked a certain scene to illustrate, required thoughtful planning. They had to identify the most meaningful moments from their book and give clear reasons for their creative decisions, showing a personal and strategic connection to the story.
The impact of this joyful celebration is significant and lasting. By focusing first on fun and personal connection, BRT builds strong reading habits and a true love for stories. This simple act of retelling the plot and describing their favourite characters formed an important first step, demonstrating their understanding and setting a wonderful foundation for their continued growth as enthusiastic and thoughtful readers throughout the school year. This positive experience boosted their confidence and guided them from simply remembering a book to understanding and creatively engaging with it. ***
