Ipswich Libraries is taking the First 5 Forever early literacy program to the pool with Dive into Books, a partnership with the Kids Alive water safety program.
Story time sessions are being held at Bundamba Swim Centre, with video and online resources being produced to be used by Laurie Lawrence’s Kids Alive – Do the Five program.
Ipswich City Council was awarded an $8,900 grant from the Queensland Government, as part of the State’s commitment to deliver the First 5 Forever program, which is coordinated by the State Library of Queensland.
The next First 5 Forever- Dive into Books sessions will be held at Bundamba Swim Centre from 9.30 to 10.30am on:
- Wednesday 12 February
- Wednesday 26 February
- Wednesday 11 March
- Wednesday 25 March
Manager of Ipswich Libraries and Customer Services, Sylvia Swalling, said she was excited to offer the new program to local families.
“We love thinking outside the box to offer parents and carers fun and free ways to support their child’s early literacy development,” Ms Swalling said.
“This collaborative project will use the power of stories, songs and rhymes to teach young children about water safety while promoting early literacy.”
“The videos and resources created during the project will also provide tools for early educators to deliver those water safety messages to a wider audience.”
State Librarian and Chief Executive Officer Vicki McDonald said the latest grant round demonstrated how councils were continuing to deliver innovative library services to the community.
“It’s these creative approaches which help libraries ensure all families are welcome and receive free, inclusive support,” Ms McDonald said.
“The First 5 Forever program, coordinated by the State Library of Queensland, recognises the importance of literacy and language development in the first five years of a child’s life and provides families with information, resources and support to encourage them to talk, read, sing and play with children from birth.”
For more information on the First 5 Forever – Dive into Books program, visit the Ipswich Libraries website. Registration is not required.
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