Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, is a book gifting program devoted to inspiring a love of reading in the hearts of children everywhere. Each month our enrolled Kindergarten and Preschool children receive a high-quality, age-appropriate book in the mail, free of charge. Our centres also receive a copy of the book. This allows our Early Childhood Teachers to utilise it in their programs to promote literacy and use as a conversation starter with the children. It also provides a learning connection between the family home environment and the centre.
To find out more about Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Australia, and it’s connection to our curriculum and the Abecedarian Approach Australia (3a), read our blog post Imagine Childcare Partners with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
Spotlight on Imagine Childcare and Kindergarten Maryborough
Last month, the centre received the book Annie’s Chair, which our Early Childhood Teacher, Kate (Mrs T) read to the children during their morning group time. The children were then given the opportunity to take their own books they had brought from home, and enjoy reading them to themselves or with their friends.
Imagine Childcare and Kindergarten Centre Director, Tayla Sanderson:
“Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is so special to have in our service, as it gives all children access to quality books and the opportunity to be part of such an amazing program. It gives our Kindergarten children a sense of ownership and belonging when receiving their very own books in the mail. The children bring their books to our service and share them amongst each other, which inspires them to read and exposes them to the exciting world of books, extending their literacy skills through their interests with their friends.”
Imagine Childcare and Kindergarten Maryborough Voice of the Parent, Kate Bell:
“Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has created a fun and wholesome opportunity for my child to be involved in their first reading journey before they go to Prep. Each time a book is due in the mail, we sit and wait for our postie. It opens up discussions on what our book may be about, connects us to our community, and embeds those first steps into meaningful interactions between her Kindergarten and our home.”
Imagine Childcare and Kindergarten Maryborough Voice of the Child, Ivy Hern:
“When our books come, me and Darcie my brother, run to our mailbox and the mail man drops off the book. Mummy helps me open it, and we bring it into Kindy for Mrs T to read with all the Kindy friends. This is my book about the chair. Annie’s brother is not allowed on her chair, but he doesn’t listen!”