Campbelltown City Council’s Education and Care Services are helping people turn a new page in their lives with two programs that support literacy in children.
The reading incentives include a ‘Books in Homes’ program introduced at Council’s Waratah Cottage Early Learning Centre in Claymore, and a ‘Reading Reward Challenge’ offered through Council’s Mobile Toy and Book Library.
Both services have seen a marked increase in the awareness of the value of books and reading among children involved in the programs.
Campbelltown Mayor Sue Dobson said the initiatives made reading accessible and interesting, but above all – fun.
“Instilling a love of reading from an early age has the power to change lives, by providing the foundation for lifelong learning and success.
“Council is proud to offer these programs, which enable kids in our community to experience the joys of reading and gain valuable early literacy skills.
“Studies have shown a direct correlation between reading to children and a positive effect on their development, increasing the likelihood of them becoming more competent readers at school and contributing to improved learning outcomes beyond the school gate.
“These programs give children an important head start by boosting their literacy skills and fostering a positive attitude to learning.”
Waratah Cottage Early Learning Centre’s reading incentive program is run through Books in Homes Australia, a not-for-profit organisation that distributes books of choice through service providers for families and children living in remote or disadvantaged communities.
As part of the Books in Homes program, the centre receives a preview pack of 36 books. Each child attending the service has the opportunity to choose three free books per term, which are ordered and delivered to the service.
The centre’s educators present the books to children along with individual book labels, and a reading bag to emphasise ownership.
Children can take these books home to start building their own library.
Each child can receive a total of nine free books, with the books in the preview pack being donated to Waratah Cottage Early Learning Centre’s library.
The Mobile Toy and Book Library’s new reading challenge rewards children for borrowing books.
For every 10 books they read, children receive a bronze award, for 20 books, a silver award and for 30 books, a gold award. In addition to the gold award, children receive a story book in recognition of their efforts.
Since the challenge was introduced in January, the number of families joining the Mobile Toy and Book Library for the first time and the number of families borrowing from the service both increased.
Around eight children will receive their first award in the Challenge’s first term of operation.
More information on Council’s range of services and programs for children can be found at www.campbelltown.nsw.gov.au/children.
