New library partnership helping Port Hedland children build a love of reading

The Y WA’s Port Hedland Early Learning Centre (ELC) has partnered with Town of Port Hedland Libraries through a new early literacy initiative aimed at giving local children the strongest possible start in life.

Under the community partnership, children from the ELC receive monthly visits from the Port Hedland Librarian to take part in interactive literacy sessions, engaging both toddler and kindy groups in storytelling and early learning activities.

Rebecca Robb, Director of the Y WA’s Port Hedland ELC, said the sessions were helping children develop confidence and excitement around books and learning from an early age.

“Getting kids comfortable with books early on makes a real difference. These sessions are all about building confidence, curiosity and that spark for learning,” Ms Robb said.

“These visits are helping to foster a love of books, language and learning from an early age in a fun and engaging way.”

The partnership brings together the Town’s Library services and the Y WA’s early learning expertise to expand access to literacy opportunities for young children in the region. Sessions are designed to be vibrant and hands-on and include a range of library materials and resources to create an engaging learning environment for young children.

Having a new visitor in the environment also brings excitement and variety to the children’s program. The library representative introduces different storytelling techniques, puppets, songs and themed activities that enhance engagement and spark curiosity.

Rebecca said the children’s enthusiasm for the program had been overwhelming. “All of the children love these sessions, and I have heard them yelling out, ‘Look, the library lady is here!’”.

“Library story time sessions support children’s early literacy development by exposing them to a variety of stories, songs, rhymes and language experiences. Children build important skills such as listening, comprehension, vocabulary, memory and communication while developing confidence to participate in group experiences.”

The Y WA’s Port Hedland Early Learning Centre is part of the Y WA’s School ReadY Program, which supports children across 14 Early Learning Centres by strengthening skills in oral language, early literacy, early numeracy and social-emotional wellbeing.

The Y WA Literacy Specialist Renee Chakaodza said the partnership strongly complemented the School ReadY Program’s objectives.

“This collaboration strengthens the literacy and language focus of our School ReadY program beautifully. It extends what our educators are already doing in the centre and helps reinforce the outcomes we’re committed to achieving for every child,” Ms Chakaodza said.

The Town of Port Hedland Library and the Y WA hope the partnership will continue to strengthen early learning outcomes while encouraging greater family engagement with reading across the community.