Two Bundaberg women are helping young children to learn early literacy skills with their new book School, me, and ABC.
School, me, and ABC was co-created by C&K Community Liaison Officer Melissa Hodgetts and Bundaberg Library’s Youth Services Librarian Jaala Beauchamp through the First 5 Forever initiative.
“First 5 Forever is a family literacy program that aims to provide strong, early literacy foundations for all Queensland children aged 0 to 5 years,” Jaala said.
“School, me, and ABC helps local children to transition from kindergarten to school and supports families with early literacy tools.
Reading from a young age helps children to build language skills and general knowledge, while reading with an adult helps to improve language and listening skills and create strong emotional bonds.
The idea for the book came from conversations between the Melissa and Jaala, and the wider community, on how to help children engage in early literacy opportunities with their family and transition to school.
“Jaala suggested a book that made school-related terms more familiar and would help children and families feel more comfortable in the new school environment,” Melissa said.
Melissa liked the idea of the alphabet becoming more familiar to children before they started school and the two ideas blended naturally.
“We joined forces as it was a natural combination of our skills, connections, knowledge and experiences,” Jaala said.
School, me, and ABC is a book that is practical and relevant to local families with children aged three to six years.
The books will be released during the annual Bundaberg Regional Council event Flourish Family Fun Day tomorrow, Thursday 29 June.
“First 5 Forever has funded books about our Paint the Town REaD puppet family but this is the first time we have produced a book like this, which is targeted at families discussing school readiness,” Jaala said.
First 5 Forever is an initiative of the Queensland Government, coordinated by State Library of Queensland and delivered in partnership with local government.
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