READING is key to a child’s education, and Port Stephens Council Library at Raymond Terrace is running Read and Rhyme to help young children develop an interest in reading.

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Read and Rhyme is a free program offered by Port Stephens Council through the libraries.

The sessions are held weekly, from February to December, on Wednesday mornings at 10.30am at the Raymond Terrace Library and everyone is welcome.

Donna Lloyd Branch Librarian of Raymond Terrace Library told News Of The Area, “The program is aimed at parents and babies aged 0-2 and uses language, rhyme, rhythm and movement to encourage speech development and early literacy in children.

“The repetition in nursery rhymes builds an awareness of speech patterns in children, and that’s probably why they are still around,” she said.

Read and Rhyme is a great opportunity for children to socialise and explore the library and the world of books.

Better Beginnings says that, “Reading aloud to children is the single most important activity for building the skills and knowledge necessary for children to successfully learn to read when they begin school… Children who are good readers are usually successful learners.”

A 2017 survey conducted by Dymocks and YouGov, found that one in three kids has fewer than a dozen books at home and 39 per cent had 10 or less books.

There are concerns that access to books and developing reading skills impacts students in High School and the Workplace.

The Council’s free Read and Rhyme sessions are a great introduction to books and reading for children, you can find out more about taking part in Read and Rhyme in 2018 at the Raymond Terrace Library at 18A Sturgeon Street Raymond Terrace.

There are plenty of wonderful children’s books that parents can access to give their children a great start at the Raymond Terrace Library, visiting the library and reading together is a great way to spend some quality family time together and perfect for any rainy days over the holidays without breaking the budget.

By Marian SAMPSON