By Shamsiya Hussainpoor
Parents and carers of young children in the Hills are invited on Monday 18 November at the Belgrave Library, to a special event to support language and literacy development in children aged zero-to-five years.
Kirstie Calder, a local speech pathologist with Yooralla, will host the ‘Speechy Library Talk’, a free event organised by Speech Pathology Australia. The session will run from 11am to 12 pm and this will be part of the library’s regular story time.
Christine Nugent, the Children’s Services Librarian at Belgrave Library, will also join Ms Calder in presenting the session
The event will focus on practical ways parents can use books to build their child’s language skills.
Ms Calder will also discuss ‘Speech Pathology Australia’s 2024 Book of the Year’ winners, which highlight books that support language and literacy development for different age groups, including infants and toddlers.
These books help children connect with their carers and develop essential communication skills.
“This event is all about connecting with families and giving them the tools they need to support their child’s development. We’ll be showing parents how to use books effectively to help their little ones grow their language skills while having fun,” she said.
In addition to the story time, the session will include a short presentation on ‘language and literacy milestones’ for preschoolers. Parents will also receive advice on when to seek help from a speech pathologist if they have concerns about their child’s development.
This is Ms Calder first event in the Hills and she emphasised the importance of making these resources available in the outer suburbs.
“Access to support is vital, and events like this provide an opportunity for families in the Hills to connect with local professionals and get the information they need,” she said.
For families who can’t attend the event, Ms Calder shared a few simple tips:
1. Make reading part of the daily routine – set aside time each day for reading with your child.
2. Let the child choose the book – when children pick books that interest them, it keeps them engaged.
3. Make it fun – reading should be an enjoyable experience that encourages interaction between parent and child.
This free session is a great chance for parents to learn more about fostering a love of reading and supporting their child’s early language development.
The event is open to all families in the area, with no booking required.
For more information, contact Belgrave Library or visit Speech Pathology Australia’s website.
