When parents and carers talk, read, sing and play with their children, from the time they are born, it supports the development of their children's speaking, reading, writing and counting skills.
Parents and carers have a significant impact on their children’s development, making them a child’s most important educator in the early years.
Even if adults have low literacy, they can still support their children in these early years by telling stories from pictures, and using words to describe everyday activities such as shopping or catching the bus.
Are you or do you know an adult who wants to improve their skills?
Adults who want to enhance their own literacy skills and be more confident to read to their children can talk to people at their local child and family centre or call 26TEN on 1300 002 610.
26TEN encourages adults and children learning together as a powerful way for everyone to raise their skills.
During 26TEN Week over 40 organisations are hosting almost 80 events around Tasmania. Events include activities in schools, local councils, child care centres, play groups and other 26TEN member organisations.
The benefits of adults learning to read, write and count
Many parents and carers have already benefitted from learning with 26TEN. They can now read with their children, help with their homework and read the notes sent home by teachers. Jade built his literacy skills at work as part of a 26TEN employer grant. This gave him the confidence to read to his daughter.
A sample of 26TEN events where families will be reading, writing and counting together
- Launceston, Devonport and Burnie - PlayGroup Tasmania and LINC Tasmania get together to celebrate Children's Week and 26TEN Week. Contact Janine at janine.morris@playgrouptas.org.au or LINC Tasmania for information
- St Helens - Teddy Bears Picnic, Child and Family Centre, Wed 25 Oct 10 am - 2 pm. Contact Fiona on 63767172
- Queenstown - Story Time, West Coast Community Hub, Tue 24 Oct 11.30 am. Contact Mardi at mardi.adiar@education.tas.gov.au
- New Norfolk - ptunarra Child and Family Centre, 26TEN Derwent Valley Community Wed 25 Oct 2017
- Huon Valley - a range of events at Child and Family Centres, Community Centres and Huon LINC Contact Lucy on 0456 840 111
- Dover - The Dover Online Access Centre, reading, writing and counting together, Tue 24 October 11 am - 1pm
- Huonville - LINC Tasmania, Rock n Rhyme for families, Wed 25 Oct 11 am
- Hobart
- Storytime, the Haven with the Family Food Patch, Fri 27 October. Contact Emma on 0438 926 242 or familyfoodpatch@chatas.com.au
- Teddy Bears' Picnic with Playgroup Tasmania, Linc and Family Food Patch Wed 25 October
- Mt Nelson - A bush kinder for families and carers of children, sustainability Learning Centre, Mon 23 October
About 26TEN
26TEN was launched five years ago and is an ambitious and unique strategy to lift adult literacy and numeracy rates in Tasmania. We work with businesses, community groups, educators, government and individuals so that all adults can get the skills they need for work and life.
26TEN represents the 26 letters of the alphabet and ten digits we use for counting.