MANANGATANG primary school students had the opportunity to take part in a ground-breaking event on Wednesday, as National Simultaneous Storytime went global with a record number of participants.
Each year, a picture book by an Australian children’s author and illustrator is read by participants at exactly the same time.
The Australian Library and Information Association’s unique reading campaign aims to foster a sense of community, fun and excitement around reading.
ALIA acting CEO Nicole Barnes said more than two million participants registered in this year’s event from more than 59,000 locations throughout Australia and the world, including Manangatang.
“This is an increase of more than 15 per cent from last year’s National Simultaneous Storytime, which was in itself a ground-breaking event that featured a live reading from the International Space Station,” Ms Barnes said.
“We have participants joining us this year from our biggest range of places and countries ever, with participants extending across Australia and New Zealand to the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, China, India and the Netherlands.”
Included in this count was an enthusiastic group of Manangatang primary school students who relished the opportunity.
“We enjoy participating in the event as it is fun and we are able to explore the themes of the book and promote the value of reading,” Manangatang P-12 College Literacy Leader Amanda Eastwood said.
“We love that it showcases Australian children’s books and addresses key learning areas within our curriculum.
“We come together as a primary school to read and it’s great to see all ages interested in the book and immersing themselves in the story, from Foundation students, right through to Year 6.”
This year’s book was Family Tree, written by award-winning Australian singer-songwriter and children’s author Josh Pyke and illustrated by Ronojoy Ghosh, with the book highlighting the importance and value of community and family.
Ms Eastwood said the lead-up to Simultaneous Storytime was always an exciting time for the students.
“The lead-up, is the best part, with the students thinking how others all around Australia will be reading this book at exactly the same time,” Ms Eastwood said.
