Read Aloud to Your Child Every Day

CBCA Tasmania, in partnership with Toast for Kids Charity launched a new campaign, “Read Aloud to Your Child Every Day”, in Hobart on the weekend at Mathers House, during the Sunday Farm Gate Market. Families that joined us had the opportunity to receive a copy of the recent Toast 4 Kids Tassie Rhymes for Little Tigers (Joy, 2022) or a different complimentary book to start their own Read Aloud to your Child Every Day commitment.

The Tasmanian Branch, Children’s Book Council of Australia, partnering with Toast for Kids Charity Inc., are proud to launch the national campaign “Read Aloud to Your Child Every Day”, a simple message encouraging parents, grandparents, siblings and carers to read to their children for their literary growth and education; investing in their future.

CBCA Tasmania Executive present the new slogan at the AGM, October 2023
L to R: Roxanne Steenbergen, Vice President; Steve Martin, President; Felicity Sly, Treasurer;
Loretta Brazendale, Secretary

Recently released NAPLAN data (see ABC News report) showed that one in three school students throughout Australia are not meeting minimum numeracy and literacy expectations, and one in ten are so far behind they need additional support. Furthermore, over decades Tasmania continues to suffer from an illiteracy rate of 50%. Informed by these facts, we are championing our cause to develop a culture of “Read Aloud to Your Child Every Day”, locally, state-wide and nationally.

We are commencing a national campaign, reaching out to institutes, governments, schools, parent groups, agencies, not for profits, speech pathologists, writers’ groups, book and reading advocates, presenting the opportunity to partner with the effort, adopting and promoting the one message: “Read Aloud to Your Child Every Day”.

Steve Martin & Felicity open proceedings
Audience members receive a free gift of Tassie Rhymes for Little Tigers

Through creating such a national coalition it is hoped that it will provide a consistent and positive message that encourages a culture to “Read Aloud to Your Child Every Day”, thus becoming part of our normal daily regimen, assisting in lifting literacy rates and expanding opportunities for young people. One thousand voices with one message can make a difference.

Steve Martin

President, CBCA Tasmania and Toast  for Kids