Book Week is here which is of course a fun time for those who love to dress up as their favourite book characters!
But beyond the iconic Australian dress up parades, Book Week is a golden opportunity to spark a lifelong love of reading in children.
Why Early Literacy Matters (and the Research Backs It!)
In early childhood, reading isn’t just about learning letters — it’s about building the brain. One of the key development areas measured at school entry is Language and Cognitive Skills, as this domain is shown to predict later educational and wellbeing outcomes.
As little as 10 minutes of reading each day:
- Improve vocabulary by up to 30% before starting school.
- Foster empathy by allowing children to step into someone else’s shoes and story.
- Strengthen the bond between adults and children through shared storytelling.
Practical Ways to Celebrate Book Week in Your Centre
As well as renewing your focus on the magic of reading, there are ways to have lots of book-inspired fun beyond dress ups too!
- Story Corners Everywhere
Turn different corners of your centre into mini book nooks. A rainforest corner for The Very Hungry Caterpillar, a space pod tent for The Way Back Home, or a cosy rug pile for snuggly bedtime stories. - Take It Outside
Set up an outdoor reading zone under a tree or in the playground. Studies show that outdoor settings can make reading more engaging and reduce restlessness. - Invite Everyone’s Stories In
Ask parents, grandparents, and educators to share their favourite childhood stories — bonus points if they bring the original, well-loved copy from home! - Make it Sensory
Elevate stories with practical, sensory elements. Taste the food from Possum Magic in real life. Make the sounds of rustling leaves or pat a toy dog to represent Hairy McLairy. This can take the connection to the story to a whole new level.
5. Dress-Up With a Twist
Instead of focusing on elaborate costumes, encourage story-inspired accessories. A hat, badge, or prop that represents a favourite book character. This keeps the focus on the story, not the stress of finding a full outfit. - Getting Families Involved
Book Week is also an excellent time to engage families in the joy of reading. Encourage parents to read with their children at home and share their favourite childhood adventures. You might also consider sending home reading challenges or book lists that families can enjoy together.
We’d love to know your favourite children’s book! Let’s all share over on Facebook to create a list of excellent books we can all look to! Comment your favourite here.
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Beyond Book Week
While Book Week puts reading in the spotlight, the real magic happens when books are part of everyday life in early learning. Keep rotating your book selection, encourage children to recommend books to each other, and link stories to play, art, and nature exploration.
This week, let’s celebrate not only the costumes and creativity but the joy and connection that comes from sharing stories.
After all, the best Book Week gift we can give children is the love of reading — one page, one laugh, one “read it again!” at a time!
