So why are we doing all of this?

Sharing stories and using language can be some of the most powerful and memorable experiences parents and children can have together. While learning to read and write is important, it is the skills, concepts, feelings and interactions that come from sharing a story or talking about the world that can have a lasting impact on a child's imagination.

The Read to Me - I Love It! program aims to make sharing stories easier for parents and carers in remote Aboriginal communities by providing access to books, DVDs and literacy resources. In many communities these resources are limited, and the lack of a local library service often makes it hard for parents and children to share stories together.

Better Beginnings provides books and resources which reflect the history, culture and day-to-day life of remote Aboriginal families, and aims to make sharing stories easier and more meaningful.

The two key messages of the program are:

Read to your children every day.

Use your local library when you go into town.

Use the links below and on the left to find resources, information, books and video clips related to the program.

Related Program: 
Aboriginal

Twitter Updates

I always knew reading to my kids was important, but this has opened my eyes to how important and how much.
Parent
 

I tell stories in Vietnamese and read to my children in English.  I only started reading English after receiving Better Beginnings. 
Parent
 

One mother reads with her four year old every afternoon after school now.  She said without these books, they would not have any to read. 
Teacher, Remote Community School
 

I always knew reading to my kids was important, but this has opened my eyes to how important and how much.
Parent

I think it’s been a wonderful initiative.  I feel sure it’s going to benefit both the children and parents and develop links with the library.
Teacher
 

 

It’s wonderful to have support across the community emphasising the importance of reading and language development. 
Community Health Nurse
 

…I never thought of reading to the children.  Better Beginnings has really boosted my confidence.
Parent

Better Beginnings gave me confidence. I know reading is an everyday tool and teaching my children will help them be more successful in life.
Parent