Central Coast Council is launching an innovative program designed to encourage men to read to their children.

Suitable for children aged 0-5 years and their families, Dad’s Read, originally developed by the State Library of Queensland, encourages Dads, male carers and relatives males to read to children.

Dad's Read Family Storytime will be held on one Saturday a month from May to August and will run at Erina and Tuggerah Libraries.

Council Section Manager, Library Services, Ms Andrea Edwards, said research clearly shows that when fathers are involved with their children’s literacy education from a young age their children demonstrated increased cognitive abilities, higher self esteem and greater social competence, and Council was keen to promote the program.

“Council is committed to developing educational opportunities in the community,” Ms Edwards said.

“Reading with your child strengthens their literacy skills and builds their self esteem around reading, which is a fundamental and necessary life skill in today’s complex, digital world.

“It also strengthens the bond between fathers and their children and between male relatives and carers and young people.”

Research confirms reading to children just 10 minutes each day strengthens literacy, models positive reading behaviour, and builds children’s self esteem about reading (especially for boys). Dad’s Read encourages fathers to invest in their child’s future by choosing to read to them each day.

Parents play an important role in the development of children's reading and literacy skills. The program gives tips on how men can encourage and engage in reading activities in a fun way.

Tips include reading aloud every day, discussing language in the texts and being a role model by letting children see you reading for entertainment and information.

Bookings are recommended.

Call Erina Library on 4304 7650 or Tuggerah Library on 4350 1560.