Resources
Free downloadable resources
‘Little Tilby Bilby’ is the first picture book published by Big Sky Stories. Created in partnership with Wild Deserts over the course of twelve months and inspired by our Ecology Immersion Day. Children from across the corner country came to learn about the characteristics that make bilbies so important to the ecosystem and the decimation that feral animals have caused. This story is inspired by the hope and restoration of the bilbies in far west NSW, thanks to the long term efforts and interventions of the ecologists.
The book contains a song written by Dr Rebecca West, the Principal Ecologist at Wild Deserts, arranged by Dr David Smith. You can find the lyrics in the books and these links will provide song chords, actions and a recording by Dr David Smith for you to use and share.
‘Little Tilby Bilby’ is available here at One More Page Book Emporium.
‘A Safe Haven’ by Dr Rebecca West
‘A Safe Haven’ - recording by Dr David Smith
Some important factors in helping your child learn to read.
Research over many decades has proved that there are some important things that, parents and caregivers can do to help young children’s talking and listening, reading and writing.
Reading Aloud with your child.
Reading aloud with your child can be a very special time together. Reading together builds hope and opens up new worlds, different ideas, viewpoints and possibilities. It builds our understandings of others and helps us be more caring.
Why is reading aloud for fun important for all age groups?
Reading isn’t just about finding out new things: it’s also about having fun in new imagined adventures, stretching our worlds.
How do I choose quality books for my child?
Knowing what to look for will help you make the most of your reading experiences together.
Imaginative or Pretend Play: Why is it so important?
Research also confirms that imaginative play is critical for children’s ongoing social, emotional and intellectual development – it build brain connections.
My child seems reluctant to read. how can I help?
Some children take longer to engage in the reading process. The most important thing you can do is share stories you both enjoy, read to them and read together. Make it a fun time.
Play and language development: serious ‘work’ for the child but fun!
Children love to play with sounds and words and often invent their own.