Storytelling sessions, book character dress-ups and a reading challenge are just some of the activities in store as children and educators across the Goodstart network prepare to celebrate Children’s Book Week.
The week is a celebration of Australian literature and brings children and books together under the theme of “escape to everywhere”, which aims to inspire imagination and wonder about the world.
Goodstart Endeavour Hills Barnsley Drive is celebrating the week by holding a storytelling event with dinner and a book character dress-up for children, families and the community.
Centre director Peta Wilkinson said high-quality books enriched children’s imagination and helped them develop vital language and literacy skills from an early age.
“A child’s brain is constantly forming connections which are strengthened by activities like reading. Reading to children and then teaching them to read promotes healthy brain development that lasts a lifetime,” Ms Wilkinson said.
“Reading stories is also a catalyst for a child’s imagination and curiosity and enables them to learn the difference between real and make-believe.”
The benefits of reading to children from a young age are well known and range from improved cognitive skills to higher levels of performance at school. But with so many books available, it can be hard for parents to know which are best for their children.
“Some books may be better than others but at this age you really just want to ensure children are having fun and developing a love of reading, though we do have some particular favourites in our centre,” Ms Wikinson said.
“We love Nick Bland’s books The Very Noisy Bear, and The Wrong Book. His stories have lots of different voices, repetition and musical instruments and are perfect for engaging children and getting them to join in.
“We also love books with underlying messages that allow us to build other learning opportunities into the storytelling.
“Wombat Stew by Marcia Vaughan is a great example of this. We can explore the different quantities the animals use in their stew, the science of cooking, and the emotions the animals feel as they trick the dingo.
“For parents, one of the greatest things you can do for your children is to instil in them a love of reading and books.”
The Children’s Book Council of Australia 2017 Book Week will be celebrated from 19-26 August.
The week is a celebration of Australian literature and brings children and books together under the theme of “escape to everywhere”, which aims to inspire imagination and wonder about the world.
Goodstart Endeavour Hills Barnsley Drive is celebrating the week by holding a storytelling event with dinner and a book character dress-up for children, families and the community.
Centre director Peta Wilkinson said high-quality books enriched children’s imagination and helped them develop vital language and literacy skills from an early age.
“A child’s brain is constantly forming connections which are strengthened by activities like reading. Reading to children and then teaching them to read promotes healthy brain development that lasts a lifetime,” Ms Wilkinson said.
“Reading stories is also a catalyst for a child’s imagination and curiosity and enables them to learn the difference between real and make-believe.”
The benefits of reading to children from a young age are well known and range from improved cognitive skills to higher levels of performance at school. But with so many books available, it can be hard for parents to know which are best for their children.
“Some books may be better than others but at this age you really just want to ensure children are having fun and developing a love of reading, though we do have some particular favourites in our centre,” Ms Wikinson said.
“We love Nick Bland’s books The Very Noisy Bear, and The Wrong Book. His stories have lots of different voices, repetition and musical instruments and are perfect for engaging children and getting them to join in.
“We also love books with underlying messages that allow us to build other learning opportunities into the storytelling.
“Wombat Stew by Marcia Vaughan is a great example of this. We can explore the different quantities the animals use in their stew, the science of cooking, and the emotions the animals feel as they trick the dingo.
“For parents, one of the greatest things you can do for your children is to instil in them a love of reading and books.”
The Children’s Book Council of Australia 2017 Book Week will be celebrated from 19-26 August.