The Blackall Range Lions Club brings the ‘Read Bears’ program to Mapleton State School. This initiative aims to enhance children’s reading skills by encouraging them to develop a nightly reading routine with their very own cuddly bear companion.
Last month, at the start of Term 2, Year One students received special presentation boxes containing a handcrafted bear, a book, and information about the ‘Read Bears’ program.
Parents like Karina and Kane have already seen a remarkable transformation in their son’s reading habits since receiving his “Fuzzy” bear. Their son “…reads to Fuzzy every night, sometimes even multiple times,” they shared. “His reading skills have improved significantly, and he’s developed a sense of responsibility and care towards Fuzzy.” Their experience highlights the program’s potential to not only enhance literacy but also foster important life values in young children.
The Read Bears program was developed by HBNC in 2019, drawing inspiration from similar programs in Europe and Canada. It’s currently operating in 13 schools across the Wide Bay region and has shown promising results. Schools in Hervey Bay have reported “significant improvements in Year One reading levels” since adopting the program, according to Lions Club Project Leader Helen Smith.
The Blackall Range Lions Club, with the dedication of its knitting group, meticulously crafted the bears specifically for the program. Helen Smith expresses her enthusiasm about the potential impact on local students’ literacy and hopes to see similar positive outcomes at Mapleton State School. Montville State School is also set to join the program in Term 4, expanding the reach of Read Bears in the region.