National Book Relay Boosts Literacy for Children
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The relay is the national version of the local Paint Rockingham REaD campaign, which is a grassroots literacy effort that attempts to address the increasing number of Australian children entering primary school with poor language and reading skills.
As part of the campaign community members are encouraged to read, talk, sing and rhyme with children from birth so they are ready to read and write by the time they start school.
Children and educators from Goodstart Rockingham, Port Kennedy and Secret Harbour joined the Paint Rockingham REaD mascot WiDi, as they welcomed volunteers from the Paint Australia REaD book relay team on Tuesday 26 March 2019 for a special event.
During the event children took part in a number of literacy-based activities before Baldivis MLA Reece Whitby hosted “story time”. Following this, children were able to sign a book the relay team is carrying on its journey around the country. All participating communities add their page to the book, which will be published once the relay is finished on the east coast in May 2019.
City of Rockingham Mayor Barry Sammels said the book relay would assist children in making the best possible start with literacy.
“The Paint Australia REaD book relay and the Paint Rockingham REaD campaign are crucial to boosting the literacy skills of our future primary school students,” Mayor Sammels said.
“Reading not only improves children’s literacy skills, it also plays a vital role in enhancing their social skills, emotional needs and understanding of the world around them.”
Paint Rockingham REaD is a collaboration between the City and the Rockingham Early Years Group.
To find out more about the campaign visit the Learning Community page or contact the Community Capacity Building team on 9528 0333.
Donations of children’s books are always welcome and can be made to reception at the City of Rockingham Administration Building on Civic Boulevard.
Image: Paint Rockingham REaD mascot WiDi with the book delivered by the relay team.