Closing the Word Gap: Kambalda Primary School's Community Library Unveiling
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Published on Friday, 14 June 2024 at 2:44:43 PM
L-R Arron Hoarau (installation), Councillor Tracey Rathbone, students Chloe Leek & Gabe Te Hira, Teachers Kaili Beeson & Tracey Carruthers (Library artist).
The Shire of Coolgardie were honored to be invited to the opening of Kambalda Primary School’s Community Library Book Box today.
The initiative came about when Teacher and school Literacy Leader, Kaili Skye Beeson read in a study that young children whose parents read them five books a day enter kindergarten having heard approximately 1.4 million more words than kids who were never read to.
Even kids who are read only one book a day will hear about 290,000 more words by age 5 than those who don't regularly read books with a parent or caregiver. This 'million word gap' could be one key in explaining differences in vocabulary and reading development. The study found that students who hear more vocabulary words are going to be better prepared to see those words in print when they enter school and therefore are likely to pick up reading skills more quickly and easily.
Through this small seed, Kaili initiated a school wide survey that asked the students about the frequency of reading at home and availability of books. Her data showed that some students in the community do not have the same access to books as others and she wanted to do something about it.
The realization of a year long idea culminated today in the opening of the Community Library which was attended by the school body, Cr. Tracey Rathbone, local Police and parents and guests of special mention including, Tracey Carruthers who painted the library, Arron Hoarau who cemented and installed the library and Lewis Fisher who built the library.
Following the opening, everyone was invited to the school hub to share a picnic with the Shire of Coolgardie sponsoring a sausage sizzle and fruit for everyone
Thank you Kambalda Primary School for the invite, it was wonderful to be a part of such a great initiative.
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