In the Glenelg Shire, 30.3% of children are starting school developmentally vulnerable or at risk, which is significantly higher than the national average of 21.7% (AEDC 2018). This raises serious concerns as oral language skills play a crucial role in a child’s academic, social, and emotional success.
Children from disadvantaged backgrounds often have fewer books at home, which limits their opportunities for language and literacy development. One effective way to bridge this gap is through book gifting programs for pre-schoolers.
Research shows that shared storybook reading before school is vital for building vocabulary, listening comprehension, and a love for reading. It also strengthens skills like phonological awareness and print concepts, laying the foundation for future learning (Sénéchal 2015).
Early exposure to books through shared reading is not only essential for language development but also for long-term academic success (Anderson et al. 2019; Duff et al. 2015). Additionally, it fosters deeper connections between parents and children, creating lasting bonds through the joy of reading together (Funge, Sullivan, and Tarter 2017).
How are we trying to solve it?
Since 2013, the Dolly Parton Imagination Library (DPIL) has been gifting FREE age-appropriate books to children in Glenelg Shire, from birth to their fifth birthday. By nurturing a love for reading and sparking imaginations early, we’re helping our little ones dream big and aim high!
The program not only provides books but also encourages fun, regular bonding between parents and children. Each book includes tips for turning storytime into a more interactive and engaging experience.
The impact has been remarkable. After just six months in the program, 90% of children were being read to regularly, up 14% from when they first enrolled. The length of reading sessions has also grown significantly. The number of parents reading to their child for 11-20 minutes tripled, and those reading for 21-40 minutes doubled.
Parents are feeling the difference too:
- 73% feel more confident reading to their child.
- 77% report spending more quality time together as a family with books.
- 59% find reading with their child more enjoyable.
The longer families are involved, the more reading becomes a daily, interactive part of their lives. Children spend more time with books, and parents enjoy more meaningful moments with their little ones.
Today, DPIL is serving over 470 children across Glenelg Shire, with over 916 children having graduated from the program. This success is made possible through the steadfast support of Portland Aluminium, which has been a dedicated partner since the program’s launch in 2013.
2024 DOLLY PARTON IMAGINATION LIBRARY BOOKLIST
CLICK HERE TO ACCESS OUR RESOURCE LIBRARY FOR PARENTS, EDUCATORS AND COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS
The Dolly Parton Imagination Library (DPIL) is a program that aims to:
Build early literacy key skills: DPIL focuses on helping children develop key literacy skills such as hearing and playing with sounds, handling a book, turning pages, recognizing letters and their shapes, understanding that letters represent sounds and the meaning of words. These are critical for children to develop school readiness.
Support parents to become their child’s first teacher: DPIL works with parents and caregivers to build their confidence and skills in taking on the role of their child’s “first teacher” by educating them about the importance of early learning, literacy, and play as integral to successful entry into school.
Mobilize the Community: DPIL collaborates with community service providers, health providers, and families to develop shared goals, avoid duplication, and improve outcomes for families. By working together, the program aims to better serve the community and make a more significant impact on the lives of children and their families.
Major Partner: Portland Aluminium
Partners: Gardiner Foundation, Inger Rice Foundation, Uniting Church OpShop, Magistrates court Fund, and individuals who donate through workplace giving and supporting events.
Putting a book in a child’s hand opens a new world to them. While it might seem simple, it’s a proven first step towards much more in a child’s life, sparking curiosity and building family bonds in the early years.
Help us make a positive impact on the lives of those living in the Glenelg Shire community. Make your secure, tax-deductible donation.
That’s why the Imagination Library brings the magic of a library into the home, with the gift of a book every month before school begins. Each child in the program receives a real, physical book to keep, and kick start a lifelong love of reading.
Please donate today to help assist children and families living in the Glenelg Shire region to thrive!
All donations to United Way Glenelg are Tax Deductible.
$9.00 provides a book for one child for one month.
$18.00 provides two books for two children for one month.
$108.00 provides books for one child for an entire year!
$216.00 provides books for two children for an entire year!
