Finland’s most avid young readers can be found in Loimaa

Topics

• Competence development
• Studies
• Well-being and leisure
• YTK

At YTK, we have highlighted the importance of reading and literacy in working life in our Side Effects campaign. YTK is based in Loimaa, which is also home to some of Finland’s most avid young readers! At the beginning of the year, the 3rd and 4th grade class at Niinijoki School was recognized as Finland’s best reading class in the Lukutähti program. We asked them for tips on how to increase everyone’s interest in reading.

The pupils at Niinijoki School are particularly avid readers. Several pupils from Niinijoki School reached the top spots in Finland in the autumn Lukutähti program competition, and the 3rd and 4th grade class won the entire Finnish class competition.

All of the school’s classes are currently in the top 10 in Finland in the Lukutähti program, with a total of over 2 000 books read. Grades 1-2 have read over 400 books, grades 5-6 almost 600, and grades 3-4 over 1 000. This amounts to over 60 books per student.

The best thing about reading is that it helps me relax. I usually wake up before everyone else in the morning, so I have time to read in peace. If the book has a good plot, it’s even more fun to read.

Kalle, 4th grade

Reading is part of everyday life

Principal Heini-Sisko Borra says that the school has invested in reading in many ways.

“We take the children to the library, and over the years we have also built up a fairly good collection in the school’s own library. We read books to the pupils and also borrow them from the library for the school. The library staff give tips and help find books that interest the children,” says Borra.

Reading is not limited to lessons. School mentors read to their mentees, and students visit the daycare center attached to the school to read books to the children there.

“The pupils also complete reading diplomas, and we take part in various fun reading challenges. The aim of these is to read in different places or even wearing a hat, for example. We also put on plays and small performances based on the books we have read.”

This year, Niinijoki School is having a special reading theme year. The school has purchased the Lukutähti program for the students to use, in which they earn play money for the books they read. In the game, they can use the coins to buy things for their characters, such as a pet.

The best thing about reading is that I can relax and spend time on my own. Reading is also fun because I can think about and imagine what the characters are like, for example.

Hilda, 6th grade

The positive effects of reading are evident

Heini-Sisko Borra says that the students’ ability to concentrate has improved. They can read for longer periods of time, and their reading fluency and comprehension have improved.

“The students’ vocabulary is growing without them even noticing, and the children’s own stories are also developing. It has been wonderful to see how the children can’t even bear to stop reading and have asked if they can take the book out with them during recess.”

Sometimes, funny expressions from the books they read together stick around in the classroom, like the recent “now we’re making history.”

“When a student laughs with a book in their hands, what more could a teacher hope for!” says Borra.

The best thing about reading is that it offers endless possibilities.

Elias, 5th grade

How to get started if reading is challenging?

We asked Heini-Sisko Borra for tips on how to get started and progress with reading if it feels difficult.

“It’s a good idea to start with books and magazines that are easy enough and interesting to you! Donald Duck has gotten many children to read. When you find a book series that interests you, it easily draws you into the world of reading.”

Borra points out that children enjoy being read to. Listening to books also has many of the same positive effects.

“Children are also inspired to read when they see other children and adults reading. And how much fun it is to read together, taking turns reading your own books or the same book aloud.”

We asked the students!

What is the best thing about reading?

“Enjoying funny stories.” Helmi, 2nd grade

“When you get to a really exciting part or when you finish the book.” Aili, 3rd grade

“Perhaps the best thing about reading is that you can imagine all the events in the book in your own mind. This doesn’t work in movies or TV shows.” Saima, 6th grade

“The best thing about reading is that it makes time go faster and you can immerse yourself in your own world and just think about the events in the book.” Urho, 6th grade

What inspires you to read?

“I really enjoy reading. I learned to read when I was 5 or 6 years old, and by first grade I was already reading books that were 500-1000 pages long. If you’re really bored, you should pick up a book and read it on the sofa, in bed, or in an armchair. I find reading books relaxing. Reading has only increased with the Lukutähti program.” Kalle, 4th grade

“What inspires me to read is knowing more about things and also that it’s not boring. Also, spending time with a book is more enjoyable than just being. Certain series or books without series are nice. It’s worth finding one or more book series that you’re excited about. Screens aren’t good for you, so grab a book and get reading.” Vilho, 4th grade

“What inspires me to read is that when I get a book in my hands, I feel calm and relaxed. I am also inspired by the diversity of books, which means that there is always something to read. Another thing that inspires me to read is that, in my opinion, reading is the best thing ever!” Hilda, 6th grade

“What inspires me to read is that when I read, I can identify with the content of the book. I can imagine that I am part of the events in the book. Of course, I am also inspired by the fact that I know that reading makes me a better reader, and fluent reading skills are really important in many ways.”Saima, 6th grade

The students at Niinijoki School recommend:

• Tatu and Patu -books
• Diary of a Wimpy Kid
• The Dog Man series
• Clue series
• Höper-sankarit
• Varjot-series