In June 2023, Positive Signs + Print had the privilege of collaborating with the Rotary Club of Taieri on a heartwarming initiative titled "1000 Books before School." This project aimed to promote children's literacy in the community by encouraging parents and caregivers of children aged 0-5 to actively engage in reading. Inspired by a successful initiative that began in the USA, the Taieri Rotary Club sought to bring the same enthusiasm for early childhood literacy to their local community.
The Rotary Club of Taieri approached Positive Signs + Print with a vision to create a colorful and engaging A4 booklet that would inspire young children to embrace the joy of reading. The booklet needed to be visually captivating and easy to use, appealing to both parents and their young readers. The ultimate goal was to motivate parents and caregivers to enroll their children at the Mosgiel Public Library and participate in the "1000 Books before School" program.
As a team of parents with young children, we respected and recognised the significance of the project for early childhood development and community engagement. Our design team collaborated closely with the Rotary Club of Taieri to craft a booklet that would resonate with and engage young readers and their whanau.
The design process began with research into child-friendly aesthetics and readability. Bold, vibrant colours were chosen to attract attention, while a loose story-book theme was carried throughout to create a strong visual connection.
Incorporating the concept of recording the number of stories read, our team created an interactive layout that allowed children to document their reading achievements with blank book spines totalling 1,000 - 100 per page. On each log page, a designated spot for a precious sticker is included, so tamariki can get rewarded throughout their literacy journey.
We incorporated some fun, personal details throughout the book - such as the local landmark of Saddle Hill on the cover, and the inclusion of books by local authors.
The choice of paper stock played a crucial role in the tactile experience of the booklet. A durable, matte cover and inside paper stocks was selected to withstand the wear and tear of young hands. High-quality digital printing ensured the vibrancy of colours and the square-spine feature gives a polished perfect-bound look.
The success of the "1000 Books before School" project hinges on collaboration. The Rotary Club of Taieri has worked closely with the Mosgiel Public Library to distribute the stickers to be placed in the colourful booklet for every 100 books read. In addition, the library hands out book bags at 100 books. Certificates will be handed to children to celebrate the milestone of 1000 books read.
The "1000 Books before School" project stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, design, and print in promoting a noble cause. Positive Signs + Print is honoured to have played a role in encouraging early childhood literacy in the Taieri community. The initiative showcased the potential for design and print to make a lasting impact on education, community engagement, and the lives of young readers.
If you want to join or support the 1000 Books Before School program, you can contact the Rotary Club of Taieri on their Facebook page or by email taierirotary@gmail.com
Packs consisting of the booklet, stickers, book bags and certificates are available for Rotary Clubs to purchase, if they wish to establish the program in their area. The Rotary Club of Taieri is happy to help - contact the Rotary Club of Taieri on their Facebook page or by email taierirotary@gmail.com