Book in a Bag Initiative
Children's brains develop at a rapid rate, starting from birth, as they try to make sense of the world around them. The Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) notes that while, 'genes provide the initial map for development, it is the experiences and relationships babies and children have every day that literally shape their brains'.
The AEDC show in our community that children in Heathwood/Pallara are more vulnerable in Communication and Language.
So Kidz Magic has decided to start a positive community initiative to help change this data around. We are going to commence a Book in a Bag initiative.
The Importance of Early Childhood Development
Evidence tells us that a person's life successes, health and emotional wellbeing have their roots in early childhood. We know that if we get it right in the early years, we can expect to see children thrive throughout school and their adult lives.
Both nature and nurture (genes and environment) influence children's development. The quality of a child's earliest environments and the availability of appropriate experiences at the right stages of development are crucial determinants of the way each child's brain architecture develops.
Caring and supportive environments that promote optimal early childhood development greatly increase children's chances of a successful transition to school. This, in turn, promotes children's chances of achieving better learning outcomes while at school and better education, employment and health after they have finished school.
What is Australian Early Development Census?
The value of the AEDC is that it provides information for schools, communities and governments to pinpoint the services, resources and support for children and families to help shape the future and wellbeing of Australian children.
The AEDC is a nationwide measure that looks at how well children across Australia are growing up or 'developing'. The AEDC looks at five different elements or domains that are important for children's development. These are:
- physical health and wellbeing
- social competence
- emotional maturity
- language and cognitive skills (school-based); and
- communication skills and general knowledge.
Every three years since 2009, teachers of children in their first year of full-time school used an early development instrument – similar to a questionnaire – for every child in their class.
How can I help support Kidz Magic Book in a Bag Initiative?
We will be leaving children's books in a clip seal bag around children's parks, shopping centres and even given in person. A note will be left for the receiver to encourage them to read the book and pass on one of their used books to another child.
First of all we need to start to collect used and well kept children's books. Please bring in any unwanted books you are willing to donate.
We will pop each book in a clip seal bag along with a note explaining a little about our intivitiative.
If you would like to help pop these around the community or even hand it out to another child in a park, please let us know.
Thanks Tammy
