Thiruvananthapuram: Students in state-run schools in Kerala will soon receive grace marks for developing reading habits from the next academic year, State General Education Minister V Sivankutty said on Wednesday.

A dedicated period will be allotted for reading books, newspapers, and related activities, the minister said in a Facebook post.

“Grace marks will be awarded from the next academic year to children who engage in activities that promote reading habits,” Sivankutty added.

For classes 1 to 4, weekly sessions will focus on suitable reading activities, while students from classes 5 to 12 will have sessions linked to newspapers and follow-up exercises.

Teachers will be trained, and a handbook will be prepared to guide reading-related activities. The department is also considering adding a reading-focused segment to “Kalolsavam,” the annual school arts festival, the minister said.