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Paint Baw Baw REaD Early Years Expo at West Gippsland Arts Centre with author Valerie Jarred on 21 May

The Baw Baw Egg and the short story have been travelling throughout the Shire, visiting local primary schools, kindergartens and libraries to share the story with Baw Baw youngsters.

By news@gippsland - 10th May 2022 - Back to News

Egg-citement is growing across the Shire for the Paint Baw Baw REaD Early Years Expo! Coming up on Saturday 21 May from 9am to 2pm at the West Gippsland Arts Centre, Fountain Room, this child-friendly event has something for all little ones and their families and carers. Attendees will be able to browse stalls showcasing a range of local businesses and services catering to physical activity, education, creativity and performing arts for children aged 0-6 years old.

Young families are invited to come along to this free, not-for-profit event to discover some of the kid friendly businesses and services on offer within the Shire!

Keeping the kids busy

Children will be spoiled for choice with plenty of activities and entertainment to keep them busy, including all day face painting, a reptile show, a very special live story reading, a reptile show and an eggstremely anticipated surprise event.

As part of the Paint Baw Baw REaD journey, local early year's educator Valerie Jarred authored 'The Mysterious Baw Baw Egg', a short story illustrated by local sketch artist Keira Sloetjes and printed by local business Kage Design & Photography.

Each live reading has helped the Baw Baw Egg to grow and develop, and it is just about ready to hatch. In fact, it is rumoured that the live reading at the Expo might just push it over the edge!

Developing literacy skills

Paint Baw Baw REaD forms part of the wider Paint the Town REaD initiative, an early years literacy program that encourages the community to read, rhyme, talk and sing with children from birth to prep to ensure all children will be ready for reading and writing at school.

The Baw Baw Egg represents the importance of developing literacy skills at an early age to assist with life skills including language development, focused attention, book awareness, phonological awareness and pre-writing skills.

It is all part of Baw Baw Shire Council's ongoing commitment to providing and promoting a safe environment for children to learn and grow. To learn more please visit Paint Baw Baw REaD page.

Support for the initiative

Mayor Cr Michael Leaney said, "We are thrilled to be hosting the very first Paint Baw Baw REaD Early Years Expo for all the young families within our community. With more residents and young families calling Baw Baw home, it is so important everyone is aware of the fantastic child friendly services available to them."

"We are proud to support the Paint the Town REaD initiative to foster and develop literacy skills within our young kids and look forward to seeing you all at the expo." Cr Leaney said.

Pictures from Baw Baw Shire Council website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com