Children came with their families, with friends, with Schools and early childhood centres to Victoria Park in Forbes last Friday to take part in literacy rich activities for the annual Forbes Reading Downtown Day. The sun was shining on a park full of children and adults dressed to the theme “Reading is my Super Power”.
Children right from birth to Year 12 took part in the day, with the little ones participating in literacy activities with volunteers from Red Bend Catholic College and Forbes High assisting.
“By engaging children of all ages we hope to reinforce the message about the importance of reading with children right from birth,” said Forbes Birth to Kinder Secretary, Maree Yapp. “What a super powered reading day this has been, the costumes are brilliant, the activities are awesome and everyone has had some fun,” continued Maree.
The day was once again supported by Phil Donato MP who arrived to read to the children, and with great excitement our local Mayor Phyllis Miller also read to groups of children young and old.
The Trainee Ranger and Weeds Officer from Council joined in the day reading a book relating to animal safety with the children and Landcare and Forbes North Public School provided some practical activities using reading as a super power.
CatholicCare, Mainly Music, KDS, Central West Libraries, and Forbes SaCC joined the Schools to provide activities and engage with the community.
Forbes Shire Council provided free books to children under five who came along on the day to encourage and support reading in the home.