LITTLE READERS READ-A-THON 2024

Reading Matters,

Even to the Smallest of Babies.

Life’s Little Treasures Foundation, in partnership NIDCAP Australasia, is very proud to once again present the Little Readers Read-a-thon and we are inviting all neonatal units (neonatal intensive care and special care nurseries) across Australia to participate. We also welcome international participation and are pleased to have welcomed participating hospitals from almost fifteen countries in previous events.

Why Reading is Important

Reading to babies every day supports development not only in the NICU, but also going into early infancy and childhood. Babies enjoy hearing their parent’s voice over any other sound, but what’s more important is that it’s an activity that parents can do every day for their baby during a time where many feel helpless in an intense and stressful environment. Reading is also linked to improved language and writing abilities at school age, so it’s never too early to start and why we’re encouraging you to get on board with our Little Readers Read-a-thon.

Meet our 2024 Little Readers Read-a-thon Ambassador Michelle Worthington

Michelle Worthington is an internationally published award-winning author of empowering picture books for children of all ages. We love her passion and we’re very grateful to have her on board! Listen to Michelle talk about the importance of reading and the impact of reading in the NICU on her family as the parent of a premature baby:

How to participate:

How to get your hospital involved:

Units are required to register to officially participate in the Little Readers Read-a-thon in order to be eligible for prizes and to receive access to printed resources and digital downloads. Please register your unit by Friday, 23 August 2024 by completing the form below. Once complete, you will receive a Read-a-thon stater pack and access to online resources to help you run the activity within your unit.

What do you get when you register for the Little Readers Read-a-thon?:

Once registered for the Little Readers Read-a-thon, units will receive a great tool kit that includes everything you’ll need; electronic resources (factsheets, promotion posters, participation certificates, log sheets, survey tools) as well as printed resources (bookmarks, reading booklets) sent to Australian hospitals.

How to win a prize for your hospital:

Prizes are up for grabs for the hospital with the highest average number of books read (first, second and third places in both NICU and Special Care Nursery categories) and the highest average number of minutes read (first, second and third in both NICU and Special Care Nursery categories), so please make sure you have families logging their reading on the logging sheets provided. Once the Read-a-thon is complete, upload your logging sheets via the link below. Logging sheets must be uploaded by COB on Monday, 30 September 2024.

Read-a-thon registrants will also have the opportunity to win prizes for the best decorated unit or the best dress up celebration… So, let’s get reading and celebrating reading!

What can you do to prepare for the Little Readers Read-a-thon?

Consider how you can promote the event to parents and staff and what resources you have available to you. If you do not have an existing reading library in your unit, consider how you could start one – can you ask for donations from local businesses or supporters? Can your school library or local council library provide you with decommissioned books?

Making the most of this activity: We encourage you to make this activity your own and to find creative, fun ways to promote the joy of reading within your unit.

How to register:

Simply complete and submit the registration form below. You will then be sent downloadable resources and information to support you to run a fun and successful activity in your NICU or Special Care Unit.

Need more information about the Little Readers Read-a-thon?

Please contact:

Amy Baker

Program Coordinator at Life’s Little Treasures Foundation

Email: [email protected]

Little Readers Read-a-thon Registration Form

Thank you for joining the Little Readers Read-a-thon for 2024!

All hospitals registering will receive digital resources via email once your registration form is received. Please check your junk mail.

Australian hospitals who register before 23 August 2024 will also receive a Little Readers Read-a-thon Starter Pack with extra resources for families (including printed posters, books marks and stickers).

Health Professional Details

Where is your Hospital? AustraliaNew ZealandOther International Country	Hospital Name
Department	First Name
Last Name	Phone
Email	Title

International Hospitals -

Country

Hospital Name

Australian and New Zealand Hospitals -

Address including level and department (we can not accept PO box addresses)	City
State/Province	Postal Code
Number of cots in your unit	Number of posters required (Limit of 4 posters per unit)
Number of bookmarks required	Number of stickers required
(NZ Hospitals are eligible to order resources)

Please detail below what activities you plan to promote and encourage participation in the Read-a-thon.

Your hospital unit will run the Little Readers Read-a-thon from 9-20 September 2024 and will submit all reading hours by Monday, 30 September 2024.

Yes I agree

Contact Information