Students in the province's anglophone school districts now have free access to more than 50,000 English-language titles on the Rally Reader digital reading platform, through funding from RBC.
"Literacy is a top priority for us, and we know that the more students read, the more their literacy improves," said Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Claire Johnson. "We also know that choice is a strong motivating factor in getting students to read more, and the platform has a huge selection, so students can choose books that interest them."
Parents and guardians will be able to download Rally Reader onto most mobile devices, where they will set up an account and choose the child's grade level. The platform will then curate a list of age-appropriate titles, from which students can choose free books based on their reading interests.
"There is compelling research on the positive impact that increased exposure to a wide range of books has on reading achievement, on motivation and engagement, and on overall academic success," said Johnson. "And that's not only students who are just learning to read. Everyone benefits from reading more."
The platform is designed to increase reading engagement and support reading practice. In addition to the digital library, families will have access to practice tools such as oral reading modes that provide real-time feedback to readers and track reading progress.
"We share Minister Johnson's belief that choice motivates students to read, and the more students read, the more they grow," said Andrea Reisman Johnson, co-founder and CEO of Rally Reader. "Reading builds vocabulary. It strengthens critical thinking skills. It expands knowledge and opens new worlds. We are excited to bring this program to New Brunswick and grateful to RBC for its partnership and support."
Families already have access to free books at the 62 public libraries across the province and through the Sora e-library. Rally Reader expands digital access to books at home and allows students to read their chosen books right away, with no ads or visual distractions.
"More than one in four Canadian kids start school without the skills they need to learn to read, and too many never catch up," said Chris Ronald, RBC's regional president for Atlantic Canada. "At RBC, we believe literacy is where lifelong learning begins. By helping provide New Brunswick children with free access to Rally Reader's digital library, they'll gain the tools, confidence and curiosity they need to become strong readers and build thriving futures."
Families can find more information and register on the Rally Reader New Brunswick website. Registration may be completed in English or French. The reader has 250 French titles available, with others to be added.
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