As the offical provider of National Simultaneous Storytime resources for the fifth year in a row we are excited to bring you loads of resources to help make NSS 2024 fun for you and your young readers!
Educators and carers around the word will be sharing Aura Parker's gorgeous picture book - Bowerbird Blues at the new time of 12pm. With well over 2 million children expected to be involved, let's take a look at why National Simultaneous Storytime is important, how you can get involved and some of the things you can do to celebrate this story.
Overview of National Simultaneous Storytime
National Simultaneous Storytime takes place annually on the fourth Wednesday of May. This year, it will be held on May 22nd, 2024 at the new time of 12pm. The event is organised by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) and its purpose is to highlight the work libraries do to promote reading and literacy. During National Simultaneous Storytime, people of all ages come together to read the same story at the same time. This creates a powerful sense of community around reading and supports the development of a lifelong love of reading in young people.
First launched in Australia in 1997 National Simultaneous Storytime was created in response to a decline in library usage and the need to promote literacy among young people. Since then, the event has grown in popularity and is now celebrated in over 5,000 libraries and more than 4,000 schools across Australia and New Zealand.
This year's National Simultaneous Storytime book - Bowerbird Blues
This year’s National Simultaneous Storytime book is Bowerbird Blues from award-winning author and illustrator Aura Parker. A beautifully illustrated story of longing and connection with a surprise ending as the bowerbird’s search sends him soaring across the sea, sky and city. He swoops and snatches natural and unnatural treasures for his bower which eventually attracts something greater and more fulfilling than he could ever have imagined.
Benefits of National Simultaneous Storytime
National Simultaneous Storytime provides many benefits for both young people and adults. For young people, it helps to foster an early love of reading and develop literacy skills. It also provides an opportunity for children to come together and share their love of books with one another. For adults, National Simultaneous Storytime can be a great way to reconnect with the joy of reading and to share in the excitement of the event with their children.
How to get involved in National Simultaneous Storytime
National Simultaneous Storytime is open to everyone, so anyone can get involved! If you’re looking to participate many libraries, schools and early learning centres will be hosting special events on May 22nd to celebrate National Simultaneous Storytime.
Alternatively, if you’re a teacher, librarian, or parent, you can organise an event of your own. All you need is a copy of Bowerbird Blues and to register on the ALIA website.
One you have registered, download the official activities we have on offer here on LearnFromPlay.au. These teacher authored activities will help you to make National Simultaneous Storytime 2024 more enjoyable and help your young readers to engage with the story while growing a love for reading and literacy.
There are arts and crafts activities, games and puzzles, information and more to make National Simultaneous Storytime 2024 fun and engaging. The activities can be used both in the lead up to the event, on the day or after the event as a follow up.
How to encourage reading beyond National Simultaneous Storytime
National Simultaneous Storytime is a great way to promote reading and literacy, but there are many ways to encourage a love of reading beyond the event. One great way is to create a reading corner in your home to encourage your children to read. You can also take them to the library or a local bookstore, which can be a great way to foster their love of books.
Once you have read a book with your child, take advantage of the reading resources we have to help your children develop their literacy and comprehension skills. Our book activities extend the fun of reading beyond the page to ensure young readers enjoy and understand the message in the story you have shared.
Finally, it’s important to set a good example for your children. Make sure to set aside time to read for pleasure and to talk to your children about the books you’re reading. Pop their finished Learn From Play activities somewhere they can be celebrated such as the kitchen fridge to help foster a love of reading in your children and to encourage them to read more.
Conclusion
National Simultaneous Storytime is a great way to celebrate reading and literacy. It is a wonderful event that is enjoyed by people of all ages and provides many benefits for both young people and adults. As we prepare for the 2024 edition of National Simultaneous Storytime, make sure to get involved and get ready to read! Get your activities now and start planning your event. With the reading resources we provide and a bit of creativity, you can host a memorable National Simultaneous Storytime event that will encourage reading and foster a love of books.
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