“Rather than grabbing a toy, they grab a book”: A playgroup perspective

Helen is a facilitator at Glebe Treehouse, a Schools as Community Centres (SaCC) based at Glebe Public School in Sydney’s inner west. 

Operating five days a week, the centre supports local families through parent groups, community services like a ‘Kindness Cupboard’, and playgroups for preschool-aged children – including a dedicated First Nations playgroup. 

For around 10 years, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has been running at the centre, with approximately 100 local children currently enrolled.

Making literacy a focus

Literacy is a key focus at the end of every playgroup, with books read together during regular circle time sessions. These shared reading sessions allow facilitators to help bring the stories to life while role modelling interactive reading techniques.

Helen says the program is having a positive impact on participants, observing that those enrolled are “way more engaged”.

“It has had a profound impact on the more vulnerable community members who may be too shy to access libraries or put their hand up for something [like this],” Helen says.

The notes that accompany the monthly book deliveries are also proving helpful from a parent and carer’s perspective, providing guidance on how to read with their child, and prompting the adult to ask questions as they read – including what might happen next in the story.

Helen adds that the age-appropriateness of the books helps ensure the children remain deeply engaged. 

“Free books are great, and these are free books with structure – and the knowledge that they have come from Dolly.”

Community engagement 

She sees the excitement among community members for the program, with parents encouraging those who have had a new baby to enrol.

“The appetite is huge,” she says.

The calming influence of reading

Helen has also noticed how books and shared reading serve as an important tool when a child feels upset or unsettled. 

“If the child is dysregulated or having a meltdown, their adult will have increased confidence to pick up a book and read with them.” 

She notes this one-on-one time helps calm the situation and settle the child.

“The books have enabled children and adults to have a better bond, and they get to spend time together. It can be so powerful to see how rather than grabbing a toy, they grab a book.”

 

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