Gin Gin families are being encouraged to participate in The Reading Hunt to help improve literacy skills.
To promote The Reading Hunt, the first of two pop-up story events was held at the culturally significant Yarning Circle at Gin Gin’s Historical Village on Tuesday.
Gin Gin Library Coordinator Sharon Millett said The Reading Hunt is a project financed by First 5 Forever, which is an initiative of the Queensland Government through the State Library of Queensland.
“It is a fun way of increasing early literacy skills in children aged 0-5 years by talking, reading, singing, and playing,” she said.
“The Yarning Circle, with its colourful mosaic and delightful location in the Historical Village was a great place for our first pop up event.
“We enjoyed interaction with students from North Bundaberg Primary School who have been learning words from the Taribelang people’s language.
“The basic words were used in dance and story telling much to the delight of young children attending the event. The children also delighted in finding six hidden signs.
“The Reading Hunt involves nine locations around Gin Gin where we have placed six sticker signs at each location.
“The signs feature a tiny green frog which is our ‘First Five Forever' reading mascot. Each sign encourages a simple activity.”
Council’s arts, culture and events portfolio spokesman, Cr John Learmonth, said The Reading Hunt was very family orientated and encouraged visits to several popular locations in and around Gin Gin including the local library.
“The second pop-up session will be held from 10am this Saturday, 31 October at Gin Gin Recreational Reserve and will include The Reading Lady and her music,” he said.
“There is a variety of activities for children to involve themselves with including searching for the six little signs and hiding the Reading Hunt Rocks.
“Bring a picnic blanket and some morning tea and enjoy the excitement of children being involved in what really is a treasure hunt for enhancing their literacy skills.”
Cr Learmonth said information regarding The Reading Hunt can be found here with details of where all The Reading Hunt locations can be found.
