The ‘Read like a Demon’ literacy program kicked off Tuesday 23 June at Casey Fields.  Sixty students from eight schools participated in the program.  The schools involved are:

- Cranbourne Primary School
- St Margaret’s Junior School
- Thomas Mitchell Primary School
- St Agatha’s Primary School
- Hallam Primary School
- Hampton Park Primary School
- Mary Mackillop Primary School

Melbourne footballer and program ambassador Stefan Martin, accompanied by teammate Lynden Dunn, welcomed the students and discussed the importance of reading.  As Stefan said at the beginning of the session, ‘Reading is an important tool - reading is used in everyday life.  For me as a footballer, I need to read the opposition’s reviews, the game plans and the coaches’ feedback.’  

Teammate Lynden shared thoughts about his favourite books with the students.  ‘I like all types of books.  My favourite is the Harry Potter Series, which I am in the middle of reading.’ 

Felice Arena, co-author of Specky Magee with Melbourne legend Garry Lyon, also provided the students with an interactive role play about one of his famous novels - Specky Magee.  Students, parents and teachers enjoyed the presentation, and Robin Lennon, librarian from Hallam Primary School, said later, ‘Yesterday was great! My students loved it, especially Jordyn, who got to be Specky McGee!  We are looking forward to the next session.’

‘Read like a Demon’ is a joint partnership between the Melbourne Football Club and Casey-Cardinia Library Corporation, and is supported by MS Readathon.   The program aims to celebrate children's connections with literacy, and to encourage their relationships with books.  Its purpose is to combine positive literacy values with sporting role models, to provide children with confidence, and to inspire them to develop a love of reading. 

Complementing the program is the “Read like a Demon” blog, http://readlikeademon.blogspot.com/ .  Students who post their own book reviews on the blog will go in the draw to win some fantastic prizes, including a 'Demons' Day Out' package in Round 22.