HRCC Playgroups to host Pyjama Party Story Time on Zoom
Published on 08 September 2021
Horsham Rural City Council’s Playgroups will celebrate the Australian Reading Hour on Zoom next Tuesday with a Bedtime Story Time for preschool children.
From 6pm children can wear their pyjamas, bring their teddy or favourite furry sleep companion, and settle in for some lively books, songs and rhymes.
Originally launched by Australian libraries and library associations for the National Year of Reading in 2012, the Australian Reading Hour began as an event for all Australians to set aside one hour on one day to read—whatever they wanted, wherever they were located, and however they chose to read.
It has since become an annual program featuring events with Australian authors, writers, poets and illustrators, in libraries, schools, bookshops, and even in shopping centres, and on public transport.
Supported Playgroup Facilitator Sarah Wiesner said the playgroup team had been working hard to keep families connected.
“I know lockdown has been tough for everyone—especially for families with young kids, cooped up inside! So we’ve been having lots of fun on Zoom, reading books and singing songs, and just maintaining some connection with our playgroup friends,” she said.
“Just by luck, we’ve had lots of children’s literature events to celebrate this lockdown. We held an online Children’s Book Week Parade, where families sent in pics of their kids dressed as book characters. We had an awesome Zoom session reading the Children's Book Council of Australia shortlisted books. And now, we’re topping it all off with The Reading Hour, so we’re really driving home the very important message about books and reading at the moment.
“Shared stories are just so great for bringing people together, especially at trying times like these,” Ms Wiesner said.
Families can book for this free event here. They will receive the Zoom link in the confirmation email.
For more information visit the Playgroup on Facebook or contact Sarah Wiesner on 0427 532 856.
HRCC Playgroups run free early programs for families, including a music and movement program, open to all, and supported playgroups for Health Care Card holders.