Transforming Reading in Rural Schools: Emerging Elementary School Wins Reading Rock Award

In a recent report from Taiwan’s Kaohsiung City, 39 students from the Xinxing Elementary School in Tianliao District have achieved an average borrowing rate of 34.7 books per student. Particularly noteworthy is their completion of over 25 monthly world tours by reading outside the school grounds in Tianliao. This effort has helped transform the rural school through reading, earning them the 2024 Ministry of Education Reading Rock Award.

The students’ exceptional reading habits have not only elevated their borrowing rate but have also demonstrated their active engagement with learning beyond the classroom. By embarking on these external reading tours, the students have expanded their horizons and enriched their educational experiences. This initiative of emphasizing reading as a transformative tool in education has not only benefited the students individually but has also brought recognition to the school and its commitment to promoting literacy.

The Xinxing Elementary School’s success in instilling a culture of avid reading among its students serves as a model for other schools seeking to enhance their educational practices. By encouraging students to explore the world through a wide range of reading materials, the school has fostered a love for learning and intellectual curiosity. The recognition received from the Ministry of Education serves as a testament to the school’s dedication to nurturing well-rounded individuals who are not only academically proficient but also curious and open-minded.