Hume council has jumped on a global movement that encourages parents to read 1000 books to their children before they start primary school.
Mayor Adem Atmaca said the challenge would prepare youngsters for a “lifetime of literacy”, and was supported by research showing that children need to be significantly exposed to literacy skills for a smooth transition to classrooms.
The 1000 Books Before School program will be officially launched at the Age Library in the Hume Global Learning Centre on August 25 from 11am.
The free event will feature talks by best-selling author and illustrator Jeanette Rowe and Sue McKerracher, chief executive of the Australian Library and Information Association.
“The simple act of reading to a child delivers so many wonderful benefits,” Cr Atmaca said. “Parents who read story books out loud help develop the vocabulary and language skills of their children.”
Enrol at any Hume library.
More details: www.humelibraries.vic.gov.au
