Make Space for Reading! 2003 – 2007

Being able to read is important for coping in modern society and a basis for all school subjects. Good reading skills are vital for being able to acquire other knowledge and find inspiration in learning. It is equally important to experience the pleasure of reading and becoming immersed in the world of books. 

A number of national and international surveys have shown that the reading skills of Norwegian pupils are not as good as one could have wished. At the same time it has been documented that Norwegian children and young people read less than they do in countries it is natural for Norway to compare itself with. The Strategy Make Space for Reading! was launched on World Book Day in 2003 and was revised in 2005. Being connected to the Cultural School Bag has entailed increased collaboration between the cultural and the educational sectors, and a number of activities for stimulating pupils’ reading have been carried out. 

Even though the latest surveys show that more boys are now reading fiction, it is still necessary to focus especially on boys’ reading. The signals of impaired reading skills and deficient interest in reading among Norwegian pupils must be taken seriously. 

The Strategy Make Space for Reading! has three main objectives: 

1. To improve reading skills and the motivation to read among children and young people  
2. To improve teacher’s skills at teaching reading, mediating literature and using school libraries
3. To increase society’s awareness of reading as a basis for other learning, cultural skills, quality of     life and participation in working life and a democratic society

 A number of different partial objectives and measures have been worded for each main objective. The description of each measure indicates who is responsible for it and the timeframe for its implementation. 

Since Make Space for Reading! started in 2003 many parties, at both local and national levels, have met the challenge and have initiated activities and collaboration measures. The revised version of Make Space for Reading! intensifies the responsibility of schools, municipalities and counties for following up the measures, making priorities and doing whatever it takes to create a positive development. Parents also have an important role to play, as do teacher training institutions, libraries, booksellers, authors and publishers.