Activity packs helping to maintain early literacy

A novel educational program is helping children to build early literacy skills, while easing the demands of home-schooling on parents.

Eastern Regional Library (ERL) staff at Realm and Croydon libraries have been busy preparing and sending out activity packs for various age groups in Maroondah, including Toddler (1 to 3 years), Preschool (4 to 6 years), Early Primary (6 to 8 years) and Primary (9 to 12 years). The fun packs feature a combination of colouring sheets, cut-outs and activities designed to improve and encourage literacy skills.

The ERL program was first introduced last year during lengthy periods of lockdown, with more than 2,000 packs delivered to families. In recent months, with extended lockdowns announced, the program has been reintroduced and is again providing an invaluable service.

ERL Executive Officer Children’s Services, Sue Wootton, said the benefits to both parent and child may be evident for years to come.

“One major goal of these activity packs is to encourage contact with parents, so we can help them continue to build literacy skills in their children,” she said.

“The children, of course, love nothing more than receiving something in the mail. So, they’ve been really well-received and putting big smiles on many faces.”

Maroondah Mayor, Councillor Kylie Spears, said it was important to keep parents and children engaged

“It’s obviously really tough on parents at the moment, so anything we can do to keep children interested in reading is going to help in the long-term,” Cr Spears said.

“The library staff are doing a great job engaging with our community online. If you feel they could support you or your child, please get in touch to see what is on offer.”

The activity packs complement another important initiative which local libraries run, called the ‘1000 Books before School’ program. This draws from research that shows the benefits of new parents reading regularly to their children.

To enquire about an activity pack, you can ring your local branch to arrange for a click ‘n’ collect. Contact Realm on 9800 6430, or Croydon Library on 9800 6448.

Alternatively, visit the Eastern Regional Libraries website where you can request for a pack to be delivered via mail.