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Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
The students' growing interest in reading stems from participating in Mr. Christie's Smart Cookie program.
The four-week contest is open to every elementary school across Canada. The school that reads the most books per student entered in the contest wins $10,000 worth of Random House books.
The student who reads the most could win a computer.
Students from grades 4 through 9 have been staying at school to read in the library.
Tusarvik teacher Angela MacRae says everyone is a winner in the contest because reading well helps make learning fun.
MacRae says English is the second language of most of the students involved, who tend to be weak readers.
The program has also become a tool to help the children learn how to use their school library effectively.
"This has given us the opportunity to bring the kids in after school, read, take books home and return them," says MacRae.
"They're getting used to using a library the way it's used down South. We're hoping their enthusiasm lasts long after the contest is over."
Beside the reading contest program, the library is open on Tuesdays after school for those who want to listen to the Harry Potter story.
MacRae says despite its huge popularity, Repulse students tend to find it difficult reading.
"The kids listen to the story being read for about an hour and that's followed by a healthy lunch. I keep track of which kids are there and I read as much as I feel they can handle in an hour."
So far, MacRae and the students have reached Chapter 11.
Her plan to give those who were attending regularly a Harry Potter colouring book at
Christmas also paid off.
"There are a few extra colouring books coming and a number of the students are insisting on coming five times so they can get the rest of the colouring books. Mr. Christie's program has been a God send for us, as far getting the kids in the library, reading and taking books home."
