Developing a School-Based Reading Program for Lower-Grade Primary Learners: The Case of a Primary School in Hong Kong

Reading instruction in English language lessons in Hong Kong primary schools was long dominated by the use of textbooks designed to prepare learners for high-stakes assessments. However, recent educational reforms have placed a new prominence on the teaching of reading with English language teachers advised to allocate 40% of lessons to reading and to use real books. Emphasis is now placed on developing learners’ reading skills and an enjoyment of reading. To achieve this, primary schools have joined government-developed literacy programs or developed their own school-based programs. However, these programs have yet to receive much attention from researchers. This chapter provides an introduction to lower-grade reading programs in Hong Kong, followed by the case of one school’s development and implementation of a school-based reading program.