Children at Young Academics Guildford received an unforgettable surprise this Book Week with players from the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs joining them to celebrate the national theme, “Book an Adventure”, helping to officially open the centre’s very first Street Library in the process.
Bulldogs players Daniel Suluka-Fifita, Mitchell Woods and Blake Taaffe were special guests at the centre, taking part in the Book Week festivities and bringing the joy of reading to life to children and families alike, marking the second year of the Bulldogs’ Book Week partnership with Young Academics.
Dressed in colourful storybook-themed costumes, children proudly marched in their Book Week Parade before gathering around for a very special Bulldogs-led storytime. Sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with their newfound peers, Mitchell, Daniel and Blake took turns reading a much-loved classic - The Very Hungry Caterpillar - in what was no doubt a valuable learning experience for all.
Beyond the reading, players also joined children in play-based literacy activities, exploring stories through a variety of storytelling forms music, art, puppetry and dramatic play while reinforcing the importance of storytelling in a child’s early developmental years.
The highlight of the day, however, was the launch of the new Street Library, positioned at the entrance of Young Academics, Guildford.
Bulldogs and Young Academics Celebrate Book Week!
Designed as colourful, accessible and family-friendly area, the library invited children, parents and passersby to “take a book, leave a book,” and ensure that the spirit of Book Week continued far beyond the classroom.
“We know that children who are exposed to books from a young age have stronger language, imagination and cognitive skills as they grow,” said James Kazzi, Founder & Executive Chairman of Young Academics.
“By bringing books to the street, we’re breaking down barriers and making reading part of everyday life.”
For Woods, 19, the eye-opening experience was one that highlighted the Club’s long-standing commitment to the local community through education.
“It was pretty cool to come here to Young Academics and read to the kids,” Woods said.
“I remember it wasn’t long ago that I was at school enjoying Book Week, so to be able to come here and read a classic from my childhood was really rewarding.
“They were really engaged and really got into it. I think they got an idea of how important early reading is.”
