Teaching kids vital skills

Caroline Springs Library. Pic of Mandi, Literacy & Learning Programs Officer. Photo by Damjan Janevski. 268814_06

Sarah Oliver

A fun and engaging class at Caroline Springs library is available for parents to book in that introduces children to the world of books and imagination.

The sessions include stories, songs, rhymes, and an introduction to Auslan and is aimed at children three to give year olds and their grown-ups.

Manager Libraries and Arts at Melton Susie Prestney said the sessions are a great way to nurture your child’s curiosity and encourage their learning and imagination.

“Each week there is a different theme, a greeting in a different language, and a focus on a letter, together with stories, songs and a take home craft.

“Participating in Storytime has significant developmental skills for children aged three to five, including essential listening skills, colour and letter recognition, group participation, cooperation and turn-taking. These are all very important foundational skills to prepare children for a formal educational environment.”

The sessions include an introduction to Auslan, which Ms Prestney said supports early literacy development and helps foster a positive relationship between a child and their parent or carer.

“Using Auslan in our sessions also introduces children to other forms of communication and encourages a celebration of diversity in the wider community,” she said.

As part of the newly developed Read, Sing, Chat program, Melton City Libraries has invited Expression Australia to run a two hour Auslan workshop in June 2022.

Details: melton.vic.gov.au/Out-n-About/Libraries