At NCFE-INR, we believe that reading is more than just a skill. It is a doorway to imagination, ideas, and endless possibilities. Books help children to dream big, think deeply, and understand the world around them. They build confidence, improve language, and touch the heart in ways nothing else can.

As part of our mission to help students become more confident and independent learners, we are excited to launch a special initiative called The 10-Book Campaign.

This campaign is open to all students from Grade 1 to Grade 10. It encourages every child to read ten books during the academic year 2025-26. The campaign will run from 1st July 2025 to 25th February 2026. We hope it will lead to a lifelong bond between the reader and the world of books.

Let us now explore why this campaign is important, what it offers, and how it will unfold.

Why the 10-Book Campaign?

Children look forward to the Daily Word, browse through their class libraries, enjoy DEAR program (Drop Everything And Read), and participate in our colorful book fairs. The 10-Book Campaign adds something extra: an exciting challenge that comes with lots of learning, creativity, and fun.

1. To Build Stronger Language and Comprehension Skills

Books introduce children to new words, expressions, and sentence structures. As they read more, their vocabulary grows, their grammar improves, and their confidence in language rises.

Consistent reading does much more. It teaches children how to understand and process information. It helps them follow a story, make connections, and draw conclusions. It makes them think.

These skills are not just for exams. They are life skills. A good reader can express thoughts clearly, listen with care, and understand what others are saying. These are essential in all walks of life.

2. To Encourage Independent Learning

We want children to go beyond textbooks. Books allow them to explore topics that interest them. Whether it’s outer space, wild animals, fantasy kingdoms, or real-life heroes, there is a book for everything.

Reading books teaches students to become curious learners. They begin to ask questions, look for answers, and form opinions. This curiosity helps them become independent thinkers. It makes learning exciting and meaningful.

By choosing and reading books on their own, children discover the joy of learning without being told what to do. They take charge of their own growth and thus become independent learners.

3. To Build a Strong Reading Culture in School

Reading should not be a one-time task. It should become a regular part of school life. Through this campaign, we want to make reading a habit and a celebration.

We continue to hold book fairs, reading challenges, and storytelling sessions from time to time. Classrooms have already been turned into reading-friendly spaces as we have a separate reading corner in all the classrooms. Books have thus become a regular part of conversations, classroom displays, and school events.

When reading becomes a shared activity, it creates a buzz. Children talk about their favorite books, suggest titles to friends, and wait eagerly for their next read. That’s the culture we want to build.

4. To Support Emotional and Social Growth

Books are like mirrors. They show children parts of themselves; their feelings, fears, and dreams. They are also like windows. They help children see people who are different from them and understand new perspectives.

Through stories, students learn how to be kind, patient, and fair. They learn about emotions and how to deal with them. They connect with characters who face challenges, solve problems, and show courage.

This builds empathy. Children start to understand that others have feelings too. They also learn how to be good friends, helpful classmates, and thoughtful individuals.

5. To inculcate moral values among children

Books play an important role in teaching children moral values. Through stories, children learn what is right and what is wrong. They see how characters make choices and face the results.

Reading about different cultures and people teaches children to be understanding and accepting. These lessons stay in their minds and guide them in real life.

So, books do more than just entertain; they help shape a good character.

How Will the Campaign Work?

We want the campaign to be smooth, fun, and meaningful. There is no pressure. Only encouragement. Here’s how it will go

Read 10 Books

Each student from Grade 1 to 10 will read ten books during the campaign period. The school library has a rich collection of books for all reading levels. Class teachers and librarians will help students select books that are right for them.

The list can include storybooks, biographies, poems, and even graphic novels. The goal is to make reading enjoyable. Children should be excited to turn the page and find out what happens next.

Some students may finish early and read more than ten books. That’s wonderful! The more they read, the more they grow.

Maintain a Reading Log

Every student will keep a Reading Log in their student diary. This will include:

• The title of the book

• The name of the author

• The date they started and finished the book

• A few lines about the story or what they felt after reading
  
  

  The Reading Log helps children track their progress. It also teaches responsibility and reflection. Class teachers will guide students on how to fill the log correctly. The librarian will check it regularly. Parents can also play a role by discussing the log with their child and encouraging regular updates.

Write Book Reviews

After finishing each book, students will complete a simple Book Review Worksheet. These worksheets will be available in the school library. The review includes:

• A brief summary

• What the student liked or didn’t like

• Their favorite character or part

• A personal rating or recommendation

Reviews help children think deeply about what they read. They learn to express their views, give reasons, and connect emotionally with the story. Some may also want to draw scenes or write alternate endings; creativity is always welcome.

Get Recognized and Celebrated

Every effort will be acknowledged. At the end of the campaign, students who complete the 10-book challenge will receive:

• Best Reader Certificate

• Special badges/awards

• Mentions in school assemblies or newsletters

Recognition boosts confidence. It encourages children to keep reading and sets an example for others. Students who show outstanding effort like thoughtful reviews, creativity, or extra books will receive special appreciation too.

Together, Let’s Build a Reading Nation

Reading is one of the best gifts we can give our children. It opens their minds. It strengthens their hearts. And it prepares them for the future. Even reading for just 15–20 minutes a day can make a big difference. Let us encourage our children to pick up a book before picking up a screen.

This campaign is not just for students. It is also for teachers, parents, and the whole school community. Teachers will guide, recommend, and motivate students. Parents can support them by reading with their children, discussing books at home, and showing interest in their reading journey.

Together, let’s build a school where stories are shared, ideas are exchanged, and books are celebrated.

Conclusion

The 10-Book Campaign is a journey. A journey into magical lands, brave adventures, and powerful ideas. Every book will leave a mark. Every story will teach something new.

So, to all our dear students, get ready to open your hearts and minds to the wonderful world of books. Read with joy. Read with curiosity. Read with wonder.

And remember, a book is a friend that stays with you forever.

Let’s begin this reading adventure together. Because when you learn to love reading, you learn to love learning for life.

Happy reading! Ms Sweta Kumari English Facilitator