Reading and fairytale diploma
Picture: Pekko Vasantola
Do you feel as if it would be nice to get encouragement to read and some kind of a small carrot to boost? Can’t you always figure out what to read? Are you ready to familiarize yourself with myriad kinds of books? If so, the library recommends you take the reading diploma.
The idea of the reading diploma is to increase children’s motivation to read, as well as to introduce fans of books to as many good books as possible. Libraries’ lists of books belonging to the reading diploma offer, on the one hand, a lot of fun, new books to read and on the other hand, modern classics of children and juvenile literature. There are separate diploma lists of books for readers of different ages, so that everybody can find books suitable for themselves. All those who take the reading diploma will get a certificate of honor, that is, a diploma, as a recognition of their performance. If you do not yourself wish to take the actual reading diploma, the reading diploma lists will certainly provide you with tips on good books to read.
Taking the reading diploma
You can choose between two different reading diplomas. The Helmet reading diploma, devised by Vantaa City Library, and the Kunnari reading diploma, created by Espoo, are used in the metropolitan area. You can perform the reading diploma either on your own or together with your school. Reading diplomas are primarily taken in schools.
The Lukudiplomi.fi (“Reading diploma”) website consists of not only the annually updated lists of books to read but also instructions for those taking the diploma as well as for teachers. The booklists are provided in Finnish, Swedish, English, and Russian, and they particularly account for different types of readers. In addition to reading, the person taking the reading diploma also performs different assignments related to the books they read. The assignments are performed either in school, under the supervision of teachers, or—if you are unexceptionally taking the reading diploma independently—in cooperation with your own library.
The Kunnari-lukudiplomi (“The Kunnari reading diploma”) website is a national reading diploma website, which means that it is used all over Finland. In addition to teachers in Espoo, a team of library employees participate in updating and managing the lists of books belonging to the Kunnari reading diploma. In addition to reading, the person taking the Kunnari reading diploma also performs different assignments related to the books they read. Availability lists of books belonging to the Kunnari reading diploma are available on Helmet libraries’ website at: Kunnarilistat.fi.
In addition, all Helmet libraries will give you more information on the reading diplomas and the books included in them.
Reading tips for the fairytale diploma for families and groups
Helmet libraries want to encourage families and groups of children to read together. The fairytale diploma is meant for children aged 0-6 years, families, as well as to be used in early childhood education. You will find versatile and entertaining tips on books in the booklist for joint reading sessions. Moreover, the books have been divided into various subject areas. The list will, furthermore, give indicative age recommendations for the different books. Takers of the fairytale diploma can use the Lukulokki template, which they can print, to list the books. Anybody who has read ten (10) books can pick up their diploma and a crown for their Lukulokki (“Reading seagull”) at the library.
Du kan läsa böckerna under vilken tid på året som helst och diplomet får du med dig när du hämtar listan till biblioteket.
Ask about the diplomas
Do you have any questions about the reading diplomas? Do not hesitate to contact us by email:
Helsinki: Helsinki City Library, helsinki(at)lukudiplomi.fi
Espoo: Espoo City Library, espoo(at)lukudiplomi.fi
Vantaa: Vantaa City Library, vantaa(at)lukudiplomi.fi
Kauniainen: Kauniainen City Library, kauniainen(at)lukudiplomi.fi