Baby steps key to literacy

27 August 2008

  Better Beginnings is giving children a better start in lifeRio Tinto employees got more than a free lunch at the recent Better Beginnings Lunchbox seminar on August 27.

Better Beginnings Family Literacy Programme, a partnership between the Rio Tinto WA Future Fund and the State Library of Western Australia, aims to put research into practice by supporting parents in their important role as their child's first teacher.

It builds on research that shows that a child's ability to learn is greater if they are read to from birth.

Programme Coordinator Nola Allen offered tips on sharing books with children from babies and beyond, including what types of books are most suitable for developing literacy skills in young children.

Rio Tinto Iron Ore employee Chris Richards attended the seminar before the birth of his first child.

"I have learnt a lot of valuable information, especially the importance of reading to my child from birth," Chris said.

"I never knew it could be so beneficial to read to children that are so young."

The programme runs in public libraries across Western Australia, offering free sessions and advice. For more information about the Better Beginnings Family Literacy Program visit the website www.better-beginnings.com.au