Getting “lost in the story”: How reading for joy is key for this teacher’s family

As a primary school teacher and mum of two young children, Grace knows just how essential positive early reading experiences are.

“As a teacher, I know how important reading to your child is, especially from a young age,” Grace, based in Portland, Victoria, explains.

But at this early stage, reading should be for enjoyment, Grace notes.

“We want reading to be fun,” she says. 

“There’s a lot of pressure when children get to school. But books don’t just serve the purpose of learning to read. It’s also great to get lost in the story.”

Bringing so much joy since birth

Grace’s daughter Hazel has been read to from the very first few days of her life.

“We have always read to her, literally from the week she was born,” Grace says. 

Hazel was enrolled in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library shortly after she was born, and now at three years old, loves to keep an eye out for the monthly book deliveries.

“The program has brought so much joy to Hazel. She gets so excited, especially now she can recognise her name on the package,” Grace says.

Bookshelves around the house full of favourite books also help keep the reading momentum up.

“From 18-months-old, Hazel has had a bookshelf in her bedroom, as well as our room, and will pull books down and sit on our lap to read.”

 

Family favourites

Grace likes that the books are tailored to her children’s age and stage, and notices Hazel memorising some of the books and telling the stories to her little brother Hugo, aged 10 months.

Hazel’s favourite books are those with lots of rhyming words that are “a bit silly”, Grace says.

Meanwhile, Hugo is a big fan of the board books.

“Hugo loves it. He’s a bit more busy than Hazel was, but is interested in looking at pages, and Hazel loves reading to him.”

 

Equitable access to books

Grace is an enthusiastic supporter of the program and says she would recommend it to anyone who has had a baby.

“A book every month at no cost is amazing, especially for those not in a position to regularly purchase good quality books for their children.

“It is so good that everyone has access, regardless of their financial situation.

“We are very, very grateful. It’s a lovely thing for our kids to receive books.”

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