Helping children fall in love with books is one of the most powerful foundations for lifelong learning. At Ferntree Gully Children’s Centre, our Librarian Visits programme brings professional storytellers directly into our Kinder and Pre-Kinder rooms, creating meaningful, literacy-rich experiences that support language development, confidence, and school readiness.
For many families, the difference between “care” and quality early education lies in intentional teaching. Parents often ask how a centre actively supports reading, listening, and communication skills before school. Librarian visits are one way we go beyond supervision, embedding early literacy into everyday learning in a way that feels joyful, social, and developmentally appropriate.
Children between the ages of three and six experience rapid language growth. During this stage, exposure to stories, rhyme, rhythm, and shared reading may strongly influence:
When children associate reading with warmth, enjoyment, and shared experiences, they are more likely to approach school with curiosity rather than anxiety.
Our librarian visits support this crucial window of development and align directly with the Victorian Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), particularly the outcomes related to communication, confidence, and learning dispositions.
Ferntree Gully Children’s Centre partners with professional community librarians, such as those from the Eastern Regional Library nox Library network, to deliver regular, structured literacy sessions oon-site
These visits are not one-off incursions. They form part of a term-based programme, allowing children to build familiarity and trust with visiting librarians over time. This consistency supports deeper engagement, especially for children who may be quieter or still developing confidence in group settings.
Each session is carefully coordinated with our educators to complement current learning themes and developmental goals.
Every librarian visit is designed to be interactive, inclusive, and engaging for young children. Sessions typically include:
Professional librarians use voice, expression, pacing, and visual prompts to bring stories to life. You might see the librarian animate characters using velvet puppets that captivate the children, or hear the whisper of anticipation as a page slowly turns, holding the room in a delightful hush. Children are encouraged to predict outcomes, repeat phrases, and ask questions, strengthening comprehension and engagement.
Music and rhyme are woven throughout sessions to support phonological awareness, memory, and rhythm. Group singing also supports social confidence and cooperation.
Children are invited to talk about characters, emotions, and story events. These conversations help build narrative skills and expressive language.
Children learn what a librarian does, how books are cared for, and what a library represents in the community. This builds familiarity with shared public spaces and a sense of belonging beyond the centre.
Our librarian visits are explicitly tailored for Kinder and Pre-Kinder-aged children (approximately 3–6 years).
Sessions focus on:
Activities are adjusted to suit the developmental needs of each group, ensuring children are supported rather than overwhelmed.
Starting school is a significant transition for children and families. Librarian visits directly support school readiness by helping children become comfortable with:
Many families notice that children who regularly participate in literacy-focused group experiences approach school with greater self-assurance and enthusiasm.
Our librarian visits are intentionally aligned with the Victorian Early Years Learning Framework, supporting outcomes such as:
These sessions are not isolated activities; they are integrated into our broader curriculum planning.
For more on our educational approach, see our Curriculum & Educational Philosophy page:
Families in Ferntree Gully, Boronia, Knoxfield, Scoresby, and surrounding suburbs choose our centre because we take a whole-child, intentional approach to learning.
As a family-owned and operated centre, we place substantial value on relationships, continuity, and meaningful experiences that support children beyond the basics of care.
Parents regularly tell us that their children come home excited to talk about stories, characters, and songs they’ve shared at the centre. Many families note increased confidence speaking in groups and a growing interest in books as children progress through Kinder.
Visits are scheduled in advance and aligned with curriculum goals.
Children participate in their usual rooms, supported by educators they trust.
Stories and themes are revisited through play, discussion, and related activities. This approach not only reinforces learning but also provides valuable insights into each child's development.
Educators observe language growth and engagement to inform future planning.
Librarian visits are scheduled on a term-based basis, ensuring consistency and meaningful engagement rather than one-off incursions.
Yes. Sessions are designed to be inclusive, with children encouraged to participate at their own pace. Familiar educators remain present to provide reassurance.
No. The centre organises all sessions as part of our educational programme.
Yes. Librarian visits form part of our broader curriculum offering and are included in care arrangements.
Librarian visits support listening, group participation, confidence, and early literacy skills that may ease the transition into primary school.
If you are looking for a childcare centre that actively supports early literacy, school readiness, and community connection, we invite you to visit Ferntree Gully Children’s Centre.
📍 897 Burwood Highway, Ferntree Gully VIC 3156
📞 (03) 9753 5755
Book a centre tour today and see how experiences like librarian visits support your child’s confidence, communication, and love of learning. Our tour spots fill quickly each term, so don’t miss out on the opportunity to secure your place.
