Bulldogs Read is a literacy program aimed at giving primary school pupils from grade three to six an opportunity to participate in reading and writing workshops, and activities and events in conjunction with the Western Bulldogs Football Club, City of Ballarat Libraries and primary schools in the Ballarat region.
Bulldogs Read will aim to increase students’ connection with literacy and sport, and encourage participants to read and exercise more.
Bulldogs Read will aim to increase students’ connection with literacy and sport, and encourage participants to read and exercise more.
TESTIMONIALS
There were lots of things that were great about being a part of the Bulldogs Read program.
I got to read cool books and then write a book review about it. It was exciting seeing our book reviews published and even better I got a prize for writing such a great review. What I love about the program is that it made me want to read more books so I could write reviews and it brought out my competitive side. I reflected on my first reviews to look at what I could improve on for next time. I learned from the program that it can be tricky to write a good review that people find interesting without giving away the plot. I would recommend it to other kids because it gets you reading, which improves your reading skills and helps with writing. Even better, it doesn't have to be a long or tricky book, you can read and review any book you like.
- Isla Yr 5.
I got to read cool books and then write a book review about it. It was exciting seeing our book reviews published and even better I got a prize for writing such a great review. What I love about the program is that it made me want to read more books so I could write reviews and it brought out my competitive side. I reflected on my first reviews to look at what I could improve on for next time. I learned from the program that it can be tricky to write a good review that people find interesting without giving away the plot. I would recommend it to other kids because it gets you reading, which improves your reading skills and helps with writing. Even better, it doesn't have to be a long or tricky book, you can read and review any book you like.
- Isla Yr 5.
Sebastopol Primary School was fortunate to be selected to participate in the ‘Bulldogs Read’ Program for 2023. Through this program we have seen a huge shift in the senior class and their reading habits. Before this program started students in the senior class were only bringing in their home reading diaries 30-40% of the time. Now, we see every student bringing in their reading diaries every day of the week. Students in the Bulldogs Read Program are also visiting the Sebastopol Library 4 times per term. This has led to an increase in students joining the library. Before the program only 2 students out of 22 were members of the library. Now all students are members of the library and are constantly bringing in new books. Students have discovered new authors, new series and now look forward to independent reading in the morning. Through the program, the class has signed up for BorrowBox and we have worked our way through the ‘Crater Lake’ series on audio book. We listen to these books after lunch and recess as part of our refocusing time and when I stop the story I am met with a lot of protests and complaining. They love this way of reading a book. Through the Bulldogs Read program, we have created a massive classroom library that has over 400 books in it for students to read. These books have come from Bulldogs Read, students donating books from their homes and the local community. Students are very proud of this library, and we have now ordered more bookshelves as we are running out of space. This year, every student in the school will be receiving a book from their teachers as a Christmas present. This is due to the fact that the Bulldogs Read program has made such a positive impact in our school that students from all classes are wanting to participate and start creating their own library. Academically, the Grade 5/6 reading results have been outstanding. I have listed some of our students below who have made the most growth since participating in the program. HW Grade 4 level Year 7 level JB Grade 5 level Year 7 level KE Grade 3 level Grade 6 level LC Grade 5 level Year 8 level CW Grade 4 level Year 8 level All of these students were reluctant readers at the start of the year. Now, they are members of the library. They visit the library weekly and have each read over 100 books this year. Students have also had the experiences of travelling to Melbourne to see and AFL game, having skype sessions with players and being able to attend a Ballarat game. This allowed some students to go on a train for the first time and attend their first ever AFL and AFLW game. As a teacher, I could not recommend this program enough. The love of books that has been fostered in the classroom has been a joy and one of the best highlights of my teaching career. Thank you to Julie and Cam for the incredible opportunity. It has definitely changed the reading lives of 22 students at Sebastopol Primary School.
- Sally Pearce.
- Sally Pearce.
The Bulldogs Read Program has proven to be an exceptional opportunity to bring together our school’s two key strategic priorities – Learning and Wellbeing, inside and outside of school in 2023. The myriad of activities offered through the program have included a welcoming event for students, staff and families, facilitated library sessions in Ballarat, an education session on writing book reviews and quality feedback on student work, footy clinics at school and students meeting Western Bulldogs players (along with Caesar and Sunny!) and attending football games together. The Bulldogs Read Program has helped to broaden and build our school community and beyond around the pillars of literacy and sport. Students, staff and families have engaged with the program enthusiastically, participating and supporting at every opportunity. Julie and Cam have shown immense generosity in accessing resources, upskilling students and establishing strong connections with the Ballarat Libraries and Western Bulldogs through the program, beyond that possible in our small school. Thank you Bulldogs Read, for the opportunity to be involved!
- Catherine Barnes, Principal, Bungaree Primary School
- Catherine Barnes, Principal, Bungaree Primary School
Thank you to Campbell, Julie and their teams at the Western Bulldogs and Ballarat Libraries for providing the opportunity for our students to be involved in the Bulldogs Read Literacy Program throughout this year. We truly appreciate the time and effort all personnel involved have put into organising the many events from February through to October. Our students thoroughly enjoyed the opportunities and experiences afforded to them which have included a launch day with a visit from Western Bulldogs Football Club players, game day experiences, Zoom calls with players, a visit to the library and of course the program finale celebration day. Students have also been excited to receive merchandise and books throughout the program. The personal challenge for many of our students regarding reading books and getting their book reviews written, was rewarded by the excitement of seeing their review published on the Bulldogs Read website for everyone to share. Thank you once again to all involved for this opportunity for our school.
- Nicole Phillips Acting Assistant Principal (Teaching & Learning) Buninyong Primary School
- Nicole Phillips Acting Assistant Principal (Teaching & Learning) Buninyong Primary School
Ballarat Grammar have been part of the Bulldogs Read Challenge for the last three years. What sets this program apart is the unique opportunity to partner football with reading. This program not only encourages the participants to read, but it also fosters a sense of camaraderie and support. By sharing their thoughts and opinions about the books they read, the children become more engaged and motivated to explore new genres and authors. Our students had the opportunity to meet and interview players which elicited both excitement and inspiration for both football and literature. The football players act as role models, emphasizing the importance of education and personal growth. The partnership with the library provides children with access to a vast collection of books, it encourages them to explore different genres and discover their literary preferences. This not only enhances their reading skills but also cultivates a lifelong love for reading. The integration of sports, literature, and community engagement has greatly benefitted our students in terms of confidence and connection. Thank you to the Bulldogs and Ballarat Library Services for their dedication and commitment to nurturing the next generation through the power of literature and footy!
- Helen Trotter Junior School Assistant Head ‑ Teaching, Learning and Innovation; Junior School English Co‑ordinator
- Helen Trotter Junior School Assistant Head ‑ Teaching, Learning and Innovation; Junior School English Co‑ordinator
Magpie Primary School has cherished the amazing opportunities given to them through the Ballarat Bulldog’s Read Program, and any school to be a part of this would be super lucky.
As an educator, I understand the importance of cultivating a love for reading in our children. The Bulldogs Read Program not only encourages students to read more but also helps them develop critical thinking skills and improve their academic performance.
I am particularly impressed with the program's efforts to provide students with a diverse range of reading materials that reflect their unique interests and backgrounds. This approach not only promotes inclusivity but also helps students develop empathy and understanding towards others. I would like to commend the Bulldogs Read Program for its commitment to fostering a culture of reading and learning in our community.
Please continue to inspire and engage our students with your exceptional program. Thank you for your time and dedication to education.
- Tamika Andison
As an educator, I understand the importance of cultivating a love for reading in our children. The Bulldogs Read Program not only encourages students to read more but also helps them develop critical thinking skills and improve their academic performance.
I am particularly impressed with the program's efforts to provide students with a diverse range of reading materials that reflect their unique interests and backgrounds. This approach not only promotes inclusivity but also helps students develop empathy and understanding towards others. I would like to commend the Bulldogs Read Program for its commitment to fostering a culture of reading and learning in our community.
Please continue to inspire and engage our students with your exceptional program. Thank you for your time and dedication to education.
- Tamika Andison
St. Columba’s Primary School is thrilled to have been a part of the Bulldogs Read program in 2023. This program not only fostered a love for reading and writing among our students, but it also opened doors to unique experiences with the Western Bulldogs AFL and AFLW players. The opportunity to engage with players through online sessions provided a valuable glimpse into their daily and professional lives, inspiring our students in ways beyond the classroom. The combination of reading, writing book reviews, attending special events, and participating in football clinics truly enriched their learning journey. Bulldogs Read not only strengthened our students' connection with literacy and sport but also encouraged them to read and exercise more. We can't wait to continue this wonderful program in the future!
- Hugo Papst
- Hugo Papst
