World Kid’s Lit Competition in Auckland

On Tuesday 3^rd July, the National Library in Parnell is hosting a day of events and workshops for the kids who have travelled over to Auckland from overseas for the prestigious final of the World Kid’s Lit Competition the next day, which will be held at the University of Auckland (Wednesday 4^th July).

As part of the pre-final literature day on Tuesday at the National Library, award-winning author, Maria Gill, will be launching her new book, Eruption! Discovering New Zealand Volcanoes.

Maria is inviting Auckland kids to come and join her and the World Kid’s Lit finalists for a free lunch and a launch of the book, from 1 -2pm at the National Library, 8 Stanley Street, Parnell. Kids are invited to come and make a volcano, eat tectonic sandwiches, sip magma juice and meet the author Maria Gill during the school holidays!

Teams for the Kid’s Lit final have travelled from Australia, Canada, China, Scotland, South Africa, the US and New Zealand and will compete for the world literacy title at the University’s Owen G Glenn Building on Wednesday 4th July. The annual International Kid’s Lit Competition was conceived by Wayne Mills, a senior lecturer at the Faculty of Education, University of Auckland, to encourage recognition for excellence in reading among young people; young participants must be aged between 10 to 13.

The explosive launch of Eruption! Discovering New Zealand Volcanoes

Time: 1–2 pm

Date: Tuesday 3rd July

Venue: National Library, 8 Stanley St, Parnell, Auckland

RSVP: arobinson@nhp.co.nz or 09 481 0444

Price: Free

Eruption! Discovering New Zealand Volcanoes by Maria Gill

Publication date: 3^rd July 2012

RRP: $21.00

Age range: 8– 12 years

 What is the Kids’ Lit Quiz™?

 The Kids’ Lit Quiz is an international celebration of reading and books.  It is known as ‘the sport of reading’. Teams of four students work together collaboratively to answer 100 wide-ranging book related questions.

Why did it start?

 The KLQ began in 1991 in New Zealand when it was observed that children were not being rewarded for their reading abilities at a time when sporting qualities appeared to be more highly valued.

Who created the Kids’Lit Quiz™?

The quiz was created by Wayne Mills MNZM  a Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Education, University of Auckland. In 2008 he was awarded the Margaret Mahy Medal for significant contribution to children’s literature and literacy. In 2011 he was made a Member of the Order of New Zealand for services to children’s literature.

Why has the Kids’ Lit Quiz been so successful?

The KLQ offers genuine reading challenges because, as no book lists are supplied, students must read widely. This ensures that students’ literary awareness is broadened and extended to include the whole canon of literature. Research has shown that it encourages positive attitudes towards reading

  

Who is the target audience?

The quiz is open to students in Years 6-8. These students will be aged 10-13 and must be under 14 on July 1^st. Teams may be mixed gender or all boy/girl. Students must all be from the same school.

What countries compete?

The Kids’ Lit Quiz currently operates in ten countries: New Zealand, Australia, Canada, England, Hong Kong, Northern Ireland, Scotland, South Africa, United States of America and Wales. All the questions are from books written in English.

The quiz is seeking to expand to more countries.

What are the prizes?

All students have the opportunity to win books or book vouchers. There are individual on-the-spot prizes and adults also win book vouchers. Regional winners move forward to a National Final and the winning team from there to the World Final in July or August. World Finals are set for: 2012 Auckland, 2013 Capetown, 2014 Oxford, 2015 Ottawa and 2016 Cornwall.

What support is available to establish the KLQ?

All countries are supplied with annual pre-test questions, an introductory letter and a registration pack. Sponsorship is required to conduct each country’s quiz.

How is the Quiz sponsored?

Each country is asked to sponsor and host their own event of the Kids’ Lit Quiz™. The quizmaster travels to all venues to ask the questions. The NZ sponsor is Whitcoulls NZ Ltd. The KLQ invites sponsorship from interested groups.

Who is the Patron?

The Kids’ Lit Quiz patron is Lady Susan Satyanand. Lady Susan is a keen supporter of children’s and service organisations.

  

Who to contact?

The quizmaster: Wayne Mills: penway@ihug.co.nz

For more information about the Kids’ Lit Quiz visit:

www.kidslitquiz.com