Literacy is fundamental to our quality of life, and the Department of Education’s services provide programs that support literacy development for Tasmanians from birth into adulthood.
Research shows strong links between early childhood literacy programs and literacy and language development. Responding to this, the early childhood focus of the department includes literacy programs within both the education and library services.
The State Library of Tasmania has developed and established a range of programs for babies and pre-school children.
Babies Who Read, Succeed is an innovative early literacy project that in 2002 made a small beginning as an outreach project at Kingston Library, in partnership with Blackmans Bay Child Care Services and the D’Entrecasteaux Rotary Club.
Three years later, every public library in Tasmania has Babies Who Read, Succeed book packs. This year alone, an additional 315 baby book packs were purchased, covering the three age groups of birth to 12 months, 12 to 24 months and 24 to 36 months. Each pack contains sample books for the age group as well as information brochures and reading lists to assist parents in helping their children to develop early literacy skills.
The response to this initiative has been overwhelmingly positive and resulted in a high demand for the packs, with parents noting the growing enthusiasm for reading shown by their young children.
Rock and Rhyme activity sessions for infants under 18 months have been a popular addition to the State Library’s early literacy programs. Piloted at Launceston Library, the weekly sessions include songs, stories (board books), rhymes and actions with the presenters using puppets, musical instruments and a felt board to complement the stories and rhymes. Rosny Library has now successfully introduced the program to growing numbers of participants, and in the coming year the program will be extended to other libraries around the state.
Storytime sessions are run for pre-schoolers at 18 branch libraries around the state. Storytime sessions may incorporate sharing stories, singing rhymes and songs, watching videos and doing craftwork.
Reading Together is a family literacy program developed by the State Library. The program consists of 10 weekly sessions, run by a qualified teacher who provides both parents and their pre-school children with reading support using books, songs and games. The program has been piloted at Bridgewater, Sorell, Kingston, Rosebery and Queenstown libraries.
Reading Together creates opportunities for parents, carers and children to consider literacy practices in their everyday lives. It provides advice, guidance and encouragement in making reading a daily family activity.
The programs are supported by targeted community services such as child health centres, general practitioners, child care centres and school teachers, who also promote the program to adults who may benefit from the program.
Informing Tasmanians