Early Literacy Messages

About the series

A collaboration with the Better Beginnings Family Literacy program of the State Library of Western Australia (SLWA)

Early literacy begins long before a child picks up their first reader at school. Even before birth, during pregnancy and through the early years, children are absorbing sounds, words, rhythms, and experiences that shape the way they see and interact with the world. The Early Literacy Messages Series has been created in partnership with the Better Beginnings Family Literacy program of the State Library of WA (SLWA) to provide simple, practical strategies for educators, families, carers, and the ECEC sector, to nurture these vital early skills.

Designed as a collection of short, engaging video clips, the series focuses on children aged 0–5 years, offering families and educators bite-sized guidance on how the everyday interactions of reading, talking, singing, writing, and playing, lay the foundations for lifelong learning. Each video highlights age-appropriate ideas, developmental milestones, and practical tips that anyone can put into action at home, in care, or in the classroom.

Why Early Literacy Matters

Research shows that the first five years of life are critical for brain development. By the time a child starts school, the building blocks for communication, imagination and a love of learning are already in place. The series aims to empower families and educators with knowledge and confidence, reinforcing the message that early literacy doesn’t require expensive resources or complex activities, just everyday interactions that are warm, responsive and intentional.

What You’ll See in the Series

The Early Literacy Messages Series is divided into short, themed clips tailored to different stages of early childhood.

• Baby (0–12 months): Discover why black-and-white books and facial expressions captivate newborns, how simple songs create powerful bonding moments, and why responding to baby’s babbles is the first step in learning the art of conversation. You’ll also learn playful ways to strengthen fine motor skills and promote connection through face-to-face play.
• Toddler (1–3 years): These lively videos highlight how toddlers learn through action, curiosity and repetition. Tips include making reading time positive (even when toddlers are wriggly), supporting early conversation skills by modelling full sentences, and embracing their energy with fun, movement-based songs. You’ll also see how messy play, drawing and free exploration all contribute to early writing and social development.
• Kindy (3–5 years): As children prepare for school, the series explores how to extend literacy through playful learning. From pointing out letters and words in books to practising conversations and learning through songs, these clips show how fine motor activities like threading beads or doing up buttons build readiness for writing. Playful board games are also introduced to support early numeracy, rule-following and turn-taking.

A Shared Journey

The Early Literacy Messages Series is designed to be accessible, practical and encouraging. Whether you are an educator seeking to strengthen literacy practices in your service, or a parent looking to support your child’s early learning at home, these clips reinforce the idea that early literacy is not about formal lessons, it’s about everyday opportunities.

Together with Better Beginnings, Child Australia and SLWA invite you to watch, share and use these clips as a resource to inspire joyful, meaningful interactions with children. Every story read, song sung and conversation shared creates ripples of learning that last a lifetime.