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Preschool Program

Books in Homes- > PROGRAMS > Preschool Program

Program Description

The Books in Homes® Preschool Program typically runs in preschools with children aged 3-5 years old. The Preschool Program operates in Terms 1, 2 and 4.

Key Components

The key components of the Preschool Program are:

To support preschools by creating a “value” for reading
To support families to increase reading engagement with their children
To motivate families and children to view reading as an “everyday” activity
To support preschool children, living in remote and low socio-economic areas, by giving them equal access to books-of-choice as their more advantaged peers
To create a legacy of books-of-choice in remote and low socio-economic homes.

Program Benefits

Some of the benefits of the Preschool Program are that it:

Empowers children and their families to choose books they are excited to read that align with their tastes and interests
Introduces new, fun and high quality picture books into traditionally “bookless” homes
Allows children to start building home libraries and encourages sharing between siblings
Normalises reading and provides the foundation for the development of literacy skills prior to the schooling years especially when children read and re-read their favourite books with their parents or carers
Facilitates bonding and engagement between children and their parents or carers via reading activities
Fosters creativity and enjoyment through reading
Invokes the children’s imagination
Facilitates a positive emotional connection between books and family time so that children are more likely to remember them with warmth and nostalgia as they grow up
Provides access to contemporary stories, characters and themes that are inclusive and relevant
Provides children with the ability to entertain themselves
Enhances cultural connection via the 25% Indigenous book offering on the Program
Creates anticipation and excitement when the children wait for the arrival of their books prior to the Book Giving Assembly
Introduces children to Role Models from all walks of life and professions who share inspirational life stories because of books and reading.

Program Components

The Preschool Program provides the following every year:

Three Preview Packs of 12 books – Each Preview Pack allows families to view all the books on offer prior to making their selections. The Preview Packs (36 books in total) are then donated to the preschool library for all to access.
Book Catalogues – Glossy A4 Book Catalogues are distributed in the Preview Packs to students each term. They include information on the book titles and an order form. You can view the current Preschool Catalogue here.
Books for Children – Each participating preschooler receives nine books per year (three books in each of Terms 1, 2 and 4). They are predominantly picture books.
Book Labels – Books in Homes provides a label or name plate for each book, which emphasises the two most important characteristics of the Books in Homes program—choice and ownership.
Book Bags – Each term the children receive a sturdy waterproof bag to keep and to protect their books.

Cost

The Program (without Caught Being Good books and certificates) provides the following each year to each participating preschool: