An early introduction to books and reading helps give a child the best possible start in life.
So what’s the best way to go about it?
A special forum - Early years literacy: it takes a village - looks at the role we can all play to have a positive impact on young children’s learning.
“This is a really good opportunity for parents, carers and educators to hear from experts in the field about how we can build foundations for lifelong learning,” Warrnambool Mayor Cr Vicki Jellie said.
“The Warrnambool Library has organised the forum which is free to attend and provides access to people working at the cutting edge of early years literacy.”
The keynote speaker is Associate Professor Jane Page who is Associate Director, Pedagogy and Leadership Research in the REEaCh Hub, the University of Melbourne.
Assoc. Professor Page has worked in early childhood for more than 30 years and over the past decade has been involved in several professional learning and research projects designed to enhance early years teachers’ pedagogical practices and to have a positive impact on young children’s learning.
Also presenting at the forum are South West HealthCare speech pathologist Elisia Nichol and occupational therapist Danili Dwyer who bring a combined 20 years’ experience working with children, families and early years professionals.
“There’s also a panel discussion with a Q and A session, a presentation on the Beyond the Bell project, Koori Kinder Preschool, the Warrnambool Toy Library and Nurture in Nature, which aims to connect kids and communities with the natural world,” Cr Jellie said.
Early years literacy: it takes a village, will be held on Wednesday, May 25 at the Lighthouse Theatre, from 9am with formal sessions concluding at 4pm followed by networking opportunities from 4pm to 6pm.
Admission is free,
bookings are encouraged and can be made here
The full program can also be found on the booking page