Forbes Birth to Kinder were delighted with the response from schools, early childhood education and care centres and the general community with around 400 children, staff and families coming out to celebrate all things literacy at Our Forbes Reading Day. Nelson Park, or “the Purple Park” was a popular choice for the event and the Team from Forbes Shire Council made the site “pop” with extra marquees for shade and ambiance. The 20 helpers from Forbes High School ensured the day ran smoothly by lending their support to all activity providers.

The annual event focuses on sharing a love of reading and literacy with children right from birth. “Reading is a superpower that can be taught to children right from birth” says Georgina McMillan from Forbes North Public School, “we are helping our children to engage with language and literacy when we share our love of stories with them”. Sharing the love of literacy on the day by providing amazing activities were Forbes North Public School, Forbes Public School, Forbes High School, Forbes Learning Ladder, Forbes Preschool, Forbes North SaCC, Council Rangers, Forbes High School, Forbes Fire Brigade, author Daniel Rasmusson, Central West Libraries, Central West Kyokushin Karate, St. Laurences and Forbes Shire Council’s Youth Officer.

Families and children were treated to book readings, craft, activities and music and movement. President Beth Osborne read “Baa Baa Black Belt” which was followed by the making of many sheep masks and a Karate demonstration by Tim and Sophie McGrath. “We have received warm and positive feedback about Our Reading Day” says Beth, “thank you to our amazing local services who provided quality literacy activities for our community”.

Forbes Birth to Kinder is made up of representatives from local schools, early childhood learning and care centres and Community Health, working together to raise awareness about the importance of reading right form birth. Find us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ForbesBirthtoKinder/

Activities:

• Baa Baa Black Belt – Forbes North Public School

• This book just ate my dog – Forbes North Public School

• The Terrible Plop – Forbes North Public School Principal Deb Milgate

• The Itsy Bitsy Spider – Forbes Preschool

• One is a snail 10 is a Crab – Forbes Public School

• The Gruffalo – Forbes Learning Ladder

• Fire safety awareness – Forbes Fire Brigade

• Central West Libraries – various books

• Forbes Shire Council Rangers – books and reptile patting

• Music & Movement – with Lacey Osborne from Forbes High School

• Barry Bear the Chiropractor – with author Dan Rasmusson

• The Terrible Plop – Forbes North Public School Principal Deb Milgate

• Forbes Shire Council Youth Officer – ice blocks and quiet corner

• Book reading – St Laurences