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kidsREAD Reading Programme is a nationwide reading initiative
started by the National Library Board (NLB). The main objective of the programme
is to cultivate the love of reading in children from a young age. Republic
Polytechnic (RP) has been working with NLB for the past 6 months in conducting
this weekly programme for children aged 4 to 8 years old.
To mark the completion of the programme, RP student volunteers planned a
“kidsREAD Graduation Concert”. This was held on the 16 December 2006 (Saturday)
at the Agora, RP. When the Guest of Honour, Mr David Sim, PBM, Chairman of the
Woodlands Citizens’ Consultative Committee entered the Agora, he was greeted by
many mini-sized “Superman”, “Batman” and “Spiderman”. This was because the theme
of the concert was Superheroes and the kids were all decked out in their best
outfit!
The audience consisted of proud parents and one particular
family could be seen grinning from ear to ear. The cause for their ecstatic
mood? Their little boy, Ali was involved in the storytelling performance of the
“Little Red Riding Hood”. Together with one of the RP students, Ali wowed the
crowd with his earnest reading. Not to be outdone, the rest of the children put
up a wonderful performance of singing nursery songs, complete with actions.
Next up on the programme, RP’s Magic Interest Group entertained everybody with
their array of magic tricks and illusions. This had the attention of the kids as
they all stood up to get a closer look at the tricks being performed. However,
the highlight of the concert would have to be the interactive skit named “The
Great Big Enormous Turnip”. As the students acted out the skit, they requested
for volunteers to help pull the “Turnip”. Together, they managed to pull the
“Turnip” out and it simultaneously bursts into a shower of candies. Upon this
sight, the kids jumped up and started to collect as many sweets as they could
carry. This must had been their favourite moment of the concert!
With the presentation of certificates and goodie bags to the
kids who had participated in the kidsREAD programme, the graduation concert drew
to a close. As the kids were leaving, many student volunteers felt a sinking
feeling in their stomachs. After being with the children for 6 months, the
students were reluctant to say goodbye. However, they need not be upset. With
2006 coming to an end, we open our arms to welcome 2007 and also to welcome a
new batch of children for the kidsREAD programme.
If you are keen on helping out with this programme, please drop an email to Ms
Lisa Koh at lisa_koh@rp.sg. More details would be revealed in the upcoming year.
* For RP Staff - Click here to view the rest of the photos from this event
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