First 5 Forever

This week, First 5 Forever ambassador AO served up a Toddler Time surprise at the newly renovated Helensvale Library.
 
At the special Toddler Time session, we shared songs and stories and highlighted the importance of talking, reading, singing and playing with children in the early years.
 
As ambassador for First 5 Forever, Ash is helping champion the free programs hosted at public libraries and Indigenous Knowledge Centres across Queensland.
 
Drop into your local library or Indigenous Knowledge Centre to discover how First 5 Forever can help build strong foundations for your little one, now and for their future.
 
Thanks Ash for championing reading, playing and family interactions and a big thanks to for a wonderful morning of stories and songs.

This May, we’re reading Luna Roo the Kangaroo Ballerina for National Simultaneous Storytime!

On 27 May at 12 noon, families across Australia are encouraged to share in the same story together to celebrate the magic of reading.

Many local libraries and Indigenous Knowledge Centres are taking part with special storytime events and activities for little ones. Check with your local library or Indigenous Knowledge Centre to see what’s happening near you and join in the fun.

What a fantastic special story time guest! Congratulations Mount Isa City Library on the great day of family fun.

Celebrate Earth Day with a little nature-inspired play.

Create your own sensory bin using natural materials like sand, seedpods, rocks and leaves. There’s no right or wrong way to play, just let your child explore, imagine and discover. Open-ended play like this helps spark curiosity, build creativity and connect little ones to the world around them.

What treasures will you add to your sensory bin?

When sharing stories with your little one talk about the pictures. This builds your child's language skills and is an opportunity to have a brain building serve and return conversation.

Celebrate Auslan Day by learning the signs for animals that call Queensland home.

Join Sheena from Deaf Connect as she shares The Little Queenslanders’ Alphabet Book, written by Sally Scudamore and illustrated by Sophie Beer. It’s a fun and engaging way to explore language with your little one.

Did you know you can watch Auslan interpretations of all 12 Stories for Little Queenslanders on our website?

Explore Auslan Story Times and more language resources here: https://qld.pulse.ly/qx1po7gfqq

Auslan In-Language Story Time: The Little Queenslanders' Alphabet Book Learning and using sign language alongside your child builds connection in a rich and meaningful way. Experience Stories for Little Queenslanders together in...

What we’re reading this April: books on pets

⭐ The Pigeon Wants a Puppy! by Mo Willems
⭐ Land Shark by Beth Ferry
⭐Can I Be Your Dog? by Troy Cummings
⭐ The Perfect Pet by Margie Palatini
⭐ Not Norman: A Goldfish Story by Kelly Bennett

Stories about pets help children learn about empathy, responsibility and caring for others. They also spark conversations about different kinds of families, feelings and what it means to belong. From cheeky pigeons to unexpected pets, these stories are full of laughs, heart and imagination. Which one will you read first?

Tip of the month: explore the world through your child’s senses

Did you know that every day your child’s senses are helping them learn and grow? From the squishy softness of playdough to the fresh smell of rain, sensory experiences shape their world and build their language skills.

Next time you’re outside, ask your little one, “Can you hear the birds chirping?” or “How does this flower smell?” Or when you run a bubble bath talk about the textures, smells, and colors.

These simple moments make a big impact on developing your child’s word bank. No two babies are identical, so no matter what senses your child has access to, encourage them to make the most of them with fun brain-building experiences and play.

Children are learning everywhere everyday! Take a walk on country to collect natural materials together, in your yard or at the park, and talk about the collection with a back and forth conversation to build your child's language and lifelong learning.