From Reading Habits to Improved Literacy…Gyeonggi Province Launches Children's Reading Coaching Program
Gyeonggi Province is launching the '2026 Gyeonggi Province Children's Reading Coaching - Reading ON Gyeonggi' project to improve children's literacy and foster interest in reading.
Children's literacy and reading habits serve as the foundation for future academic learning and self-directed growth. In particular, the period from age 7 through third grade is when basic literacy and reading habits are formed, making systematic support to develop comprehension, vocabulary, and other literacy skills essential.
Gyeonggi Province plans to operate customized programs that consider age-appropriate developmental stages and reading levels, aiming to enhance children's reading interest and basic literacy skills simultaneously. By operating programs at 31 public libraries across Gyeonggi Province and the Gyeonggi Provincial Library, the province will reduce educational and cultural access gaps between regions and strengthen functions supporting children's growth.
The program targets children ages 7 through third grade. According to age-appropriate developmental stages and reading levels, the 7-year-old group focuses on picture books and word play, first graders participate in programs linking school adaptation and basic reading activities, second graders learn to find content from books and connect information, and third graders practice organizing and expressing information.
The program will be held at the Gyeonggi Provincial Library over four days: August 29-30 and September 5-6, recruiting approximately 20 participants per age group across four teams. Details on the operating schedule and application method can be found on the Gyeonggi Provincial Library website (library.kr).
Yun Myung-hee, director of the Gyeonggi Provincial Library, said, "Children's reading coaching is not simply a program to have children read books, but rather a project that helps children meet books in ways appropriate to their age and level and experience the joy of reading," adding, "Together with public libraries throughout the province, we will support the improvement of children's literacy and the formation of healthy reading habits."