Back to School

The holidays are over, the kids are back to school - and for some, this means beginning year one, taking the first exciting steps into "big school", and wading a bit deeper into the refreshing waters of lifelong reading!

To help your child have the best chance of learning success at school, give them lots of opportunities to read aloud at home. Inspire your young reader to practice every day! Reading Rockets has put together some tips for parents of first-graders that offer some fun ways you can help your child become a happy and confident reader.

Try a new tip each week, and see what works best for your child.

Don’t leave home without it.	-	Bring along a book or magazine any time your child has to wait, such as at a doctor’s office. Always try to fit in reading!
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Once is not enough.	-	Encourage your child to re-read favorite books and poems. Re-reading helps kids read more quickly and accurately.
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Dig deeper into the story.	-	Ask your child questions about the story you've just read. Say something like, “Why do you think Clifford did that?”
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Take control of the television.	-	It’s difficult for reading to compete with TV and video games. Encourage reading as a free-time activity.
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Be patient.	-	When your child is trying to sound out an unfamiliar word, give him or her time to do so. Remind your child to look closely at the first letter or letters of the word.
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Pick books that are at the right level.	-	Help your child pick books that are not too difficult. The aim is to give your child lots of successful reading experiences.
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Play word games.	-	Have your child sound out the word as you change it from mat to fat to sat; from sat to sag to sap; and from sap to sip.
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I read to you, you read to me.	-	Take turns reading aloud at bedtime. Kids enjoy this special time with their parents.
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Gently correct your young reader.	-	When your child makes a mistake, gently point out the letters he or she overlooked or read incorrectly. Many beginning readers will guess wildly at a word based on its first letter.
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Talk, talk, talk!	-	Talk with your child every day about school and things going on around the house. Sprinkle some interesting words into the conversation, and build on words you’ve talked about in the past.
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Write, write, write!	-	Ask your child to help you write out the grocery list, a thank you note to Grandma, or to keep a journal of special things that happen at home. When writing, encourage your child to use the letter and sound patterns he or she is learning at school.

Visit www.ReadingRockets.org for more information on how you can launch a child into a bright future through reading.

Make Australia A Reading Nation With the Wiggles

The Wiggles & ALIA (Australian Library and Information Association) urge parents to 'Make Australia a Reading Nation' by launching two Community Service Announcements

The superstar group has thrown their support behind the cause of literacy, fun times and sharing books to encourage children to get into the reading habit.

“We’d like you to help us help make Australia a Reading Nation” said Anthony Field, founding member of The Wiggles.

“By the age of 3 we’ve developed half our adult language, so what happens at home, in kinder and in the library in those early years is really important.”

“Children don’t need to be able to read when they start school, but it makes a big difference if they already love books, rhymes and stories – so share a book today!” Mr Field said.

Executive Director of ALIA Sue Hutley said the two advertisements are an “amazing show of support, and the timing of this generous support could not be better.”
“It is estimated that 46% of Australians struggle with the basics of everyday literacy – many of them seeking help from their local library with things like filling in forms. Literacy is the key not only to a better life but also to a great future for the nation” Ms Hutley said.

“Give your child the best start in life” Anthony Field continued. “Sing songs and make up stories together. Borrow books from your library! Take part in storytimes and wriggle along with The Wiggles!” Mr Field said.

Wiggle in to the Busselton Public Libraries for regular Story Time, Toddler Time and Baby Bounce sessions - upcoming dates and times can be found on our Parenting Programme Calendar.

This Little Pig went to the Library...

...because this little pig didn't want to stay home...
This little pig wanted to make something,
and this little pig wanted a song...
And this little pig said "Read it again!"
All the way home!

Trot into the Busselton Library at 10am on Wednesday 13th April for another free storytime session... this time it's all about PIGS!

Storytime sessions at the Busselton Library are aimed at children 3 to 5 years of age, and no bookings are required - contact the Busselton Library on (08) 9754 1588 for more info.

Tips for Sharing Books With Your Child

It has been shown that the single most important activity in building knowledge for future success is reading out loud to your child.

Pick the best time. Choose a time to read when you and your baby are happy and content and can enjoy this special time together. Any time when your baby is settled but not sleepy or tired is perfect.

Show your baby the book. Talk and read in a cheerful voice, point to the pictures as you read and talk about them (do this even with tiny babies). This adds to a baby’s vocabulary and shows them how conversation works back and forth.

Be aware of what your baby wants. Don't worry if your baby is restless and is not interested in the book – stop if they are upset.

Read aloud with your child every day. Choose books that you and your child enjoy. If your child chooses the same old favourite over and over again, this may be boring for you but it will please your child and they may even begin to recognise some words.

Take books with you when you go out. You might have to wait somewhere and have a few spare moments to read.

Have Fun! Sharing books together creates a special bond between parents and children.

Toddler Time at Busselton Library

Join Kate and her orangutan every four weeks at 10.00am on Friday for a fun workshop especially for toddlers.

Held at the Busselton Library on Stanley Street, each session lasts for around half an hour and includes songs and rhymes siutable for active little ones.

Participation is free, and bookings are not necessary.

The next Toddler Time session will be at 10.00am, Friday 1st April at the Busselton Public Library.

Visit our Parenting Programme Calendar for upcoming session dates, or phone the Busselton Library on (08) 9754 1588 for more information.

Children love to read and be read to

Your public library is a great place for finding books to read for fun and pleasure. There is a strong link between community health and wellbeing and the use of libraries. Read to your children from a young age and see the benefits in their success in literacy and academic success.

Better Beginnings for Families

This programme has been developed for families with children aged 0-3 years. The aim is to encourage the development of literacy and a love of books and reading. Further information is available through your local library, health nurse and the State Library of WA, or by going to the Better Beginnings website.

The Little Big Book Club

A great site for encouraging the family to read and enjoy the wonderful range of books for children.

http://www.thelittlebigbookclub.com.au/