National Literacy and Numeracy Week

National Literacy & Numeracy Week logo

Literacy is vitally important for people to function in their daily lives. Reading signs, learning to drive (you have to answer written questions before you are given a permit), reading official letters and documents that require signatures, even answering the tests set by teachers - okay that can be a pain, would all become exceptionally difficult. And even worse, without literacy skills you won’t be able to read my books – and that really would be a pain! So that's why I have been thrilled to be part of National Literacy and Numeracy Week 2008 (NLNW).

Literacy is so vitally important for us to function let alone survive in our modern society. Imagine not being able to simply grab a book and open it and start to read the words for the simple thrill of reading for pleasure, or not being able to follow a recipe that has instructions for your favourite cake, or not being able to assemble a gift because you don't understand the words on the instructions page. It does happen and that is wrong in our 'modern' literate world.

I am a passionate believer in giving Australian kids the best books and Australian kids books are some of the best books in the world ... and I don't just say that because I am a children's book author. Even when I was a primary school teacher I was promoting Australian kids books and the importance of reading.

So what is National Literacy and Numeracy Week (NLNW)?

It is an initiative of the Australian Government working in conjunction with state and territory governments promoting the importance of developing strong literacy and numeracy skills in ALL Australians no matter what walk of life they come from. It began in 1999 with just primary schools but now extends into the secondary schools as well. It is held in the first week of September.

Since 2004 I have been involved first as a National Champion or Ambassador attending launches, lunches and award ceremonies (sometimes as master of Ceremonies) and having photos taken with kids, Education Ministers and even zoo animals. In 2006 SCBWI members anchored most state and territories as representatives for NLNW. As well, I prepared a list of 55 Great Australian Picture Books and also the information sheet Read Aloud Hints for parents and caregivers. I also was participating in Simultaneous Storytime where I read the featured book which was podcast, appeared on television and presented at a national workshop: all lots of fun.

With a Ministerial change came a change in the structure of NLNW and in 2007 I was thrilled to be asked to be a National Ambassador. As well as the previous publications I compiled for 2007 a list of Great Aussie Reads for Aussie Kids ... great Australian kids books that are in print - from classics, to picture books and novels. And in 2007 if you happened to see the Community Service Announcement that airs for NLNW and you just happen to hear a voice or face you recognise and you are a little amazed and a little unsure have a look and confirm your suspicions.

With a change in Government came a change in the structure of NLNW and in 2008 I was again thrilled to be asked to be an Ambassador. As well as the previous publications which you can see on the Reading to your Children page I began the blog newkidsbooksinoz. This has the book covers and a few words about the wonderful Australian kids books that I get to see each year. On Reading Day I dropped in to Our Lady Queen of Peace Primary School at Gladesville and read to a number of classes as part of their Reading Day activities – the teachers even joined in for the D.E.A.R. activity!

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