Paint the Town REaD encourages communities to support the development of local children’s early literacy skills from birth, so are prepared to learn how to read and write at school. This development mainly occurs through talking, singing, reading and drawing with children.
The community initiative was started 14 years ago by Rhonda Brain, a teacher from Parkes, New South Wales, who realised a growing number of children were entering kindergarten with delayed language development.
“Rooby is a great way to engage the very young and the young at heart,” said Julie Jasprizza-Laus, Mission Australia Team Leader - Families NSW Projects. “She’s spreading the word that reading, singing talking and rhyming is fun. Rooby shows parents and children how big hugs and great books are the best start in life for all children.
“The word is getting out there. During one of Rooby’s recent visit at Bidwill Playgroup, two brothers aged two and four were reading. One became distracted and the other said ‘What are you doing? This will help you!’ It’s really rewarding to see children get so excited about reading.”
Yesterday Rooby helped launched the new play facilities at Mt Druitt Communities for Children (C4C) – a program for local families managed by Mission Australia.
Tomorrow (Friday 11 March) at 11am she will appear in the children’s story tent at the International Women’s Day celebrations in Dawson Mall, Mt Druitt, to promote Paint Mt Druitt REaD.
On 14 March Rooby will appear at Giggles Playgroup at Lethbridge Public School, Lethbridge Park, from 10am; on 22 March she’ll be at Noumea Playgroup at Noumea Public School, Shalvey, from 8.30am, then on 24 March Rooby will be at Willmot Public School, Wilmot, from 8.30am.
These appearances are in preparation for Ruby’s big National Book Day gig on 2 April at Dawson Mall, Mt Druitt from 10.30am.
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