Read to Me - I Love it!Cover of our DVD Library

The Read to Me - I Love It! series of storytelling DVDs feature 10 stories each, read aloud by Western Australian Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people.

To date, Better Beginnings has worked with Mary G, David Wirrpanda, Will Schofield, Irma Woods and May O'Brien - all of whom have kindly donated their time and talent for the Read to Me - I Love It! series.

This series was designed to overcome remoteness and the issues associated with the lack of a local library service in the community, by providing parents and children with a library of stories and electronic books.
Over two years families and children will be exposed to 80 stories over the eight volumes of DVDs, as well as receiving printed copies of two titles from each DVD. Take a look at one of the segments with Mary G.
 

Read to Me - I Love It t-shirts

The Read to Me I Love it T-shirt

These shirts are provided to each child participating in the program as a way of reinforcing the main message of the program.

A great way of reminding parents to read to their children every day.

(They also look pretty deadly!)

 

'Deadly ABCs' and 'English Sounds' literacy posters

Developed using as many graphical elements as possible to help children to learn the English alphabet and common word sounds. Full of bright pictures and tips for parents. 

These posters are provided to each family as a way of supporting parents and carers in their children's literacy learning, and increasing the amount of print material in the home.

Deadly Books for little kids

You may have seen these pamphlets at your local library. This list of Deadly books showcases children's books by a number of Western Australian authors and illustrators, and focuses on titles created by or for Aboriginal children.

It features a range of books which span nearly 30 years, and makes a great starting point when choosing books to read to your little kids. View the list online here, or ask for more information at your local library.

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