Book celebrating our many languages
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Enjoying The Words We Share book at the launch celebration is party-goer Páidí Bentley, who was also celebrating his birthday on the day!Image 2 of 2
The Silver Arch Community Families Team got into the Halloween spirit, dressing up as characters from The Wizard of Oz to celebrate the launch of The Words We Share book. Left to right: Naomi Young (Silver Arch FRC), Jane Flanagan (Silver Arch FRC), Pamela Burke (Silver Arch FRC), Amy Spillane (Silver Arch FRC) with Sarah Finlay, Ester Mackey (Tipperary ETB), Eoin Costello (Tipperary ETB), Mary O’Sullivan (Silver Arch FRC). Front: Julia Finlay.The Community Families Team at Silver Arch Family Resource Centre recently launched a new book celebrating the many languages spoken in the local community.
The Words We Share is a multilingual first word book designed to support children as they begin learning English, while also celebrating the languages spoken in their homes. Each book is presented in two languages, pairing English with one of the following: Irish, Russian, Ukrainian, French, Portuguese, Bengali, Urdu, Afrikaans or Arabic.
The project was funded through the REACH programme by Tipperary Education and Training Board (ETB). It aims to support family literacy and encourage parents to share books, stories and language with their young children from an early age.
With more languages being spoken across the community, the project recognises the importance of helping children develop their English while also keeping a connection with their family's home language and heritage.
The book was launched on Wednesday, October 28, at a Halloween party for local families. It was a fun-filled occasion, with children enjoying face painting, music, pumpkin decorating and Halloween treats.
The Community Families Team hopes that The Words We Share will help families enjoy reading together, celebrate different languages and create special moments of connection through words and stories.
HOW TO ORDER THE BOOK
There has been a short delay in printing the finished books. However, anyone interested in ordering a copy can contact Amy Spillane, Community Families Co-ordinator, by email at amy.spillane@silverarchfrc.ie or by phone on 067 31800. The team would like to thank Tipperary ETB for supporting the project through the REACH programme and everyone who helped bring the book to life.