eResources for Families

The State Library of Western Australia provides access to a number of great online resources for kids. These are listed below and are free to access from home or at your public library with your local Western Australian public library or State Library membership card.

Home Literacy Calendar

Better Beginnings encourages all families to Read, Talk, Sing, Draw and Play with their child every day, but sometimes it can be hard to think of things to do.  Better Beginnings is here to help!  Our Home Literacy Calendar is packed full of fun, easy things you can do together at home that will help develop your child’s early literacy skills and turn your child into a reader.  Print it out and stick it on your fridge for some daily inspiration!

Booklist

Children's literature specialists from the State Library of Western Australia compiled the booklists below.  Containing a selection of great books for children aged 0-5.  Ask for the books at your local public library and if you can’t find the title mentioned in the booklist, look for other books by the same author or illustrator and try them instead!  Your local librarian is a great source of knowledge and you can always ask them for suggestions.  You can find your nearest library using 

Indigenous Families

The Better Beginnings Indigenous Program aims to support Aboriginal families across Western Australia to engage in early literacy practices at home with their child.

Preschool

Your preschooler is growing fast! From those busy toddler years to being almost ready for school, it’s an exciting time full of reading, talking, singing, drawing, playing and learning. At this age, children are curious about everything and often eager to share their day with you. Ask lots of open questions like, “What was the most fun thing you did today?” or “What games did you play?” Keeping the conversation going helps build strong language and communication skills.

Babies

Babies start learning as soon as they’re born. Everything they see, touch, feel and hear helps their little brains to grow.

As a parent or caregiver, you are your baby’s first teacher. Your baby is constantly learning from you, every time they’re with you. Babies learn from watching and interacting with the people in their world, from caregivers to siblings and grandparents. Whatever you do with your baby, you will be teaching them something new.