Research shows that learning to read is one of the most important factors in school success and that an early exposure to books and stories contributes to success in early literacy.
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The Little Big Read is an event coming up in July as part of the Shoalhaven Readers and Writers Festival which aims to encourage early literacy.
The storytelling event will be held in conjunction with the Jellybean Park markets and will see 10 local “storytellers” reading picture books to families from 10am until 1pm.
Storytellers include media personality and artist Richard Morecroft, musician Paul Greene and Reggio Emilia expert, Gai Lindsay.
People are welcome to come and listen to one or all of the picture books being read on the day.
There are strong links between literacy, school performance, self-esteem and life chances with poor literacy skills being linked with lower education, earnings, health and social outcomes.
It often surprises people to learn that Australia has a significant literacy issue.
Figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show that 44 per cent of Australian adults don’t have the literacy skills they need to cope with the demands of everyday life and work.
Reading aloud to children is the single most important activity for building the skills and knowledge necessary for children to successfully learn to read when they begin school. Children who are good readers are usually successful learners.
There will be lots of cushions and mats to sit on plus craft, games and book giveaways.
The JellyBean Park markets run from 8am until 2pm.
The inaugural Shoalhaven Readers and Writers Festival will be held on Saturday, August 4 at the Nowra School of Arts.
