In Literacy we Trust

Last month we gave a shout out to several amazing Australian literacy foundations that tirelessly advocate for and celebrate children’s literacy skills. Today we’ll get behind some wonderful educational initiatives fostering positive and engaging reading and learning experiences. Hail to educators and their passion for literacy development!!!

Kids’ Book Review is a terrific resource for parents, teachers, authors, illustrators and anyone interested in the children’s book industry. Founded by Tania McCartney, their experienced team continuously engage audiences with their ever-insightful reviews, interviews, articles and current news. Other valuable features of the site include a healthy list of fabulous classroom resources for educators and links to assist in the development of reading, writing and publishing skills and industry knowledge.

Visit Kids’ Book Review at their website, Twitter and Facebook pages.

Love2Read collaborates its efforts in promoting reading through projects and campaigns with a range of community groups, libraries, government, commercial partners, other organisations and the public. They hold The Reading Hour in August annually (this year on August 16th), encouraging families and communities to join together and celebrate literacy.

Their Facebook and Twitter pages showcase all things kids books, and you can read articles at their website.

Story Box Library is a marvellous interactive site for students, parents, teachers, librarians and literary organisations to have access to Australian stories as read by celebrity storytellers. In their subscription packages they also include educational resources, curriculum notes and exclusive interviews.

Visit their website, Facebook and Twitter pages to find out more.

The founder of AbcJenny is Jen Graham; a wonderfully proficient educational consultant, literacy specialist, writer, teacher and mother. Jen’s website is a treasure trove of activities, tips and information to help other teachers and parents assist their children with manageable, stage-related goals and tasks to create successful reading and writing experiences. Everything from sight words to phonics, games, stories, book reviews and lesson plans, AbcJenny has it all!

See more at Jen’s website, Facebook and Twitter pages.

My Little Bookcase is run by Jackie Small, a former primary and secondary school teacher, mum and educational consultant for Story Box Library. Her blog includes a beautiful array of resources that inspire reading, writing and other educational activities, all based on the love of books. Jackie’s book recommendations and ideas are always insightful and fun, and she certainly has a wonderful creative flair, too!

Check out My Little Bookcase at their website, Facebook and Twitter pages, and Pinterest.

The Book Chook maintains its emphasis on children’s literature and literacy development with a range of enjoyable and valuable resources for parents, teachers and librarians. Susan Stephenson is the mastermind behind it all, and I particularly like her brilliant lesson ideas relating to books for Children’s Book Week, the National Simultaneous Storytime event, the Reading Hour and many other bookish events and celebrations held throughout the year.

Find The Book Chook at their website, Facebook and Twitter pages.

100 Stories Before School maintains a strong focus on supporting families, educators, librarians and other early childhood workers with relevant and useful resources in understanding the importance and the promotion of early literacy. Sue Pearce has developed this website, and with the support of others has created phenomenal booklists and activities to explore and celebrate the joy of reading. “We’re building brains ready for big school.”

Find 100 Stories Before School on their website, Facebook and Pinterest pages.

Honey Bee Books is another resource kit with terrific children’s book recommendations and reviews, themed lists and fun, relevant activities. Managed by the ultra-passionate Melissa Squire, her work focuses on the discovery and wonder of the magic of beautiful books.

Find Honey Bee Books at their website and Facebook page.

The Little Big Book Club covers a large range of Australian resources and activities based on children’s books. Their mission is to “…educate and encourage…” and “…support effective change in practices enabling Australians to achieve lifelong learning, improved life chances and the ability to participate in society.” Through positive relationships with books, parents are guided in helping develop their child’s language and comprehension skills and a love of reading.

For more information visit The Little Big Book Club’s gorgeously interactive website or connect via Facebook or Twitter.

Better Reading Kids is the source of book recommendations by a team of professionals in the book industry. They will cover quality choices from children’s to adults, plus inform their readers with information on the latest award winners, seasonal picks and other news. Their aim is to get more people reading, so sharing great stories and helping families select their next book is all about creating a positive experience.

Find Better Reading at their website, Facebook and Twitter pages.

Oh Creative Day is a super-creative website packed with messy, play-based goodness…all with the added joy of picture books! Shannon has loads of energy to impart as she integrates reading, learning and celebrating through her recommended books and crafts.

Shannon is an avid Instagram user so check out Oh Creative Day there and on her website and Facebook page.

Let’s Learn is a fantastic website managed by author, illustrator and educational consultant, Susan Day. She promotes the mastery of spoken and written language for children through individualised programs, as well as providing a wealth of literacy games and activities to broaden vocabulary, comprehension, reading and writing skills in all areas of the curriculum.

Find it all at the Let’s Learn website.

Ok, just a quick mention of my own website… My Little Story Corner. I am completely obsessed with picture books and the world of children’s literature, so along with my teaching and parenting experience I developed this resource site. I, too, am passionate about stimulating a love of reading, books, creating and learning. With a range of reviews, author interviews, curriculum lesson plans and recent news in the industry I aim to support parents, educators and creatives in the field in their endeavours to raise literacy awareness and development. (Sorry, I rambled).

Here are links to my website, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest pages.

I know I’ve missed a few as there are so many amazing people doing amazing work for early literacy. If you would like to add any more literacy and education-based websites to the list please comment below.

Next time I will be featuring some online and physical book stores, so send me an email if you would like to recommend one for the list. (justwriteforkidsblogATgmailDOTcom)

Thanks! Have a literally great day! 🙂