Research has shown the value of reading for school children. In South
Africa most pupils study through the medium of a second language and t
heir language competence would benefit from wide reading. Teachers sho
uld serve as role models to encourage pupils to read, but many are unq
ualified or underqualified and lack a knowledge of children's books. O
ften their initial teacher education does not provide them with the ne
cessary knowledge or media to make their classroom presentations more
stimulating. Shell Education Service developed the Holdall Lectern and
Prompt Posters which provide teachers with compact, flexible media wh
ich they can adapt to suit their own needs. The media can be used imme
diately and teachers' confidence is increased. Pupils learn better and
are introduced to a wider variety of popular books. The Holdall Lecte
rn and Prompt Posters have been used successfully for both formal and
non-formal education.