Sharing a love of reading, rhymes, singing and talking with your baby is one of the best things you can do to give them a head start in life and at school.
Better Beginnings has been developed by the State Library of Western Australia as a family literacy program that supports parents as their child’s first teacher. The program promotes the vital role of public libraries as community hubs that provide ongoing support to parents and caregivers in giving their children a love of reading.
Reading packs for infants
Canning families with new born babies can collect a free Yellow Better Beginnings reading pack from their nearest City of Canning Library or from their Child Health Nurse.
Your yellow reading pack includes:
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a board book for your baby (this is a gift from your local council)
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a nursery rhyme poster
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a book list for babies and toddlers filled with great books to find at your local library
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a brochure with tips for enjoying reading with your baby
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'It's Rhyme Time' booklet and DVD to sing along with
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a library bag.
Reading packs for Kindergarten students
The Better Beginnings program is available this year for every Kindergarten student. This program builds on the infants program and continues to support and involve families in their children's early literacy learning. Kindy teachers from schools within the City of Canning are encouraged to contact Canning Libraries to order reading packs for their students each year in Term 1.
Families with homeschooled children can contact Canning Libraries directly to arrange to collect their free pack.
The kindergarten reading pack includes:
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a beautiful Australian children's picture book
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a fun game to accompany the book
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a green library bag
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information for parents about books and reading.
Borrow a Discovery Backpack
Canning Libraries also have the Better Beginnings Discovery Backpacks for you to borrow.
Discovery Backpacks contain:
Sing With Me!
Canning Libraries are a participant in the Sing With Me! Better Beginnings program for two year olds. Singing and reading aloud with your child are two of the most important things you can do to nurture their early learning and brain development. The Better Beginnings Sing With Me reading pack provides parents with lots of resources to use at home.
The Sing With Me Pack includes:
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a beautiful Australian children's picture book
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a nursery rhyme CD and booklet with lyrics and activities
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a nursery rhyme puzzle magnet to keep on your fridge at home
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a list of great books for toddlers to look for at your local public library.
Packs are handed out to families by library staff at special events. Child Health Nurse's are able to order packs for distribution on request.