Storytime in Lions Park

Peninsula families will have the opportunity to enjoy a special reading event at Lions Park in Woy Woy on Tuesday, August 25.

Storytime in the Park, organised by the Peninsula Start Reading Project, is an annual event aimed to encourage parents and their young children to read regularly, according to event publicity officer Ms Frances Giunta.

The event is also part of Gosford Council's Gosford City Reads program.

Ms Giunta said the event would be a great opportunity for parents and children aged six and under to start reading.

"Peninsula families showed their great support of reading to young children with a huge turnout at the inaugural event last year," Ms Giunta said.

"Organisers are planning for it to be even bigger this year.

"Families will be able to come down with a rug and move around the various reading stations where different stories will be performed.

"Some stories will be sung, some have movements for the children to do, some will have an indigenous theme and we even have a Spanish reading station.

"Children can dress up as or bring their favourite jungle animal to add to a really relaxing and enjoyable event.

"Families can then stay and have a picnic lunch."

According to Ms Giunta, Gosford Library will be available on the day to provide families with information about reading to children and choosing age-suitable books.

"Sharing a story, rhyme or song with family members for at least 10 minutes a day is all it takes.

"It is probably the single most important activity that you can undertake to develop a child's skills in reading and writing for them to achieve well at school," Ms Giunta said.

"We will also have some prizes valued up to $50 for families who have their Reading Passport stamped at the reading stations and enter in our lucky draw.

"Every child will receive a Start Reading badge to take home.

"So put Storytime in the Park in your diaries for August 25, 10am to 12noon, and if the weather is wet the event will be held at Umina Public School Hall."

For more information, contact Debbie Notara at Beachside Family Centre on 4343 1929.

Press release, 5 Aug 2009 Debbie Notara, Beachside Family Centre