Did you know that reading to your child can boost their vocabulary and thinking skills as early as 14 months? That’s the kind of impact simple activities like reading, singing, and talking can have on early development, according to numerous studies. And it’s exactly what Paint Hawkesbury REaD highlighted through their annual 'Reading Days' or 'Parties with Puddles.'

This week, the North Richmond Community Centre came alive with pirate puppies, mermaids, and a friendly dragon named Puddles, showing local families how fun and easy it is to help their children learn. Beyond the treasure hunts and songs, these events aim to educate parents that the research is showing that everyday moments you spend with your child can make a huge difference to their education.

Research shows our brains do most of their critical development in the first three years of life. A baby’s brain doubles in weight in the first year, tripling by age three.

“Research shows that children start listening to sounds already in utero, and appropriate stimulation through reading, talking, singing and rhyming in the first couple of years of their life helps their young brains develop,” the Paint Hawkesbury REaD spokesperson said. “Children who have had access to daily reading, rhyming and singing come to school with a much better vocabulary, and much better skills in many areas, including social behaviours. Being successful at school is an important foundation for a happy and successful career and life.”

Paint Hawkesbury REad said that they want families to know that these activities don’t need to cost a lot of money or take up much time, it’s all about making reading and learning part of your daily routine. “Sometimes parents are too busy, or do not realise the importance of these simple activities and so do not value them. Or they may not have the confidence or think that they don’t have the skills to for example sing with their child. Also they may think that children will learn to read in school, not realising that all the ‘preliteracy habits’; are being formed long before children get to school,”

Research from the Australian government agency, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare backs this up, showing that children who are read to daily at ages 2 - 3 score higher in Year 3 NAPLAN reading tests. Even having just 30 children’s books at home when kids are toddlers can improve reading and numeracy scores by the time they reach school age. And it’s not just about reading - singing nursery rhymes, telling stories, or even pointing out street signs can all help boost early literacy skills.

“We want parents to understand that these small moments are what make the biggest difference,” says a Paint Hawkesbury REaD spokesperson. “Singing a silly rhyme or reading a book together is more powerful than they might think.”

These events are aimed at getting as many children as possible off to a strong start. The Paint Hawkesbury REaD initiative, part of the wider Paint the Town REaD movement, began in Parkes in the 1990s. It now spans 37 areas across Australia, including the Hawkesbury, which joined in 2013. Its goal? To inspire communities to "read, talk, sing, and rhyme with your child from birth," to help lay the foundation for success at school and beyond.

Puddles is the mascot for Paint Hawkesbury REaD, to encourages everyone to read, rhyme and sing with children right from birth, so that the children are ready for reading and writing when they get to school.

Families who joined the pirate-themed fun at North Richmond didn’t just leave with memories - they took home free books and practical ideas on how to continue the learning at home. Each child picked a book to take home, and parents were able to speak with local services that support early childhood education. 

If you are looking for children’s books - Windsor and Richmond libraries have got an amazing selection for you to borrow! Or drop into North Richmond Community Centre - there is a whole bookshelf full of donated children’s books in the foyer and you can just help yourself.

This year's 'Reading Days' saw 11 local organisations come together, including North Richmond Community Centre, Hawkesbury Library, Glossodia Community Centre, HCOS, Peppercorn Services, Strong Nation Community Services, Hawkesbury City Council, Speak about Speech, Hawkesbury Community Health Services, Oakville Pre School and, All Areas Family Day Care.