It’s that time again – school holidays! Not only do I write middle-grade books (and love reading them) but I have two primary school-aged children.

Needless to say, school holiday programs at the library are the first thing on my list when I hear the dreaded: “I’m bored – there’s nothing to do!” (Yes, we’d already exhausted the mini golf, rock climbing, park visits, beach walks, and Netflix).

For all the busy mums, dads, and other caregivers out there, libraries are a wonderful option for free, fun, varied and educational activities.

Holiday program – Sunshine Coast libraries and beyond

Visit your local library or register online these holidays to participate in the amazing programs on offer.

The library events calendar includes all children’s holiday activities for September and October.

While this is Sunshine Coast-based, a quick Council/Libraries, or Google/Facebook search should bring up activities in your local area.

Activity packs for BIG imaginations

These usually get snapped up pretty early, so I recommend taking note of the registration date and getting in quick.

They’re free, fun, and help keep even the most imaginative minds occupied these holidays. 

Story Seat Adventures

This activity isn’t exclusive to the holiday period, in fact, it runs at various times throughout the year.

Go adventuring around the Sunshine Coast and join in the interactive Story Seats games and story time. I’ve seen these colourful seats around Sunshine Coast parks, so be sure to check out locations near you. Other regions/states may have similar programs available.

Bring a hat, morning tea, lots of friends and a blanket to sit on.

Key Word Signing

Again, this one isn’t strictly a school holiday activity, but rather something I came across while exploring the Sunshine Coast Council Libraries website.

If you’re familiar with my background and inspiration behind my writing, you’ll know that I grew up with Auslan as a second language in my household (due to having a non-verbal/Deaf sibling). Auslan and non-verbal communication are always integrated into my writings as a ‘norm’ simply because I believe it is. While writing about adventure, mystery, and magic is my first love, I enjoy crafting visual communication into my stories in creative and surprising ways.

So, when I saw the Sunshine Coast Council Library website had some short, instructional videos on ‘Key word signing’, I was intrigued.

According to the Libraries website:

“Key word signing is the use of manual signs, facial expressions and natural gestures with spoken words to assist communication for those that are pre-verbal or have communication difficulties. It is one of the most widely used strategies for people that cannot communicate by speech alone. We already use signs and gestures in our everyday life, by using signing we are simply expanding on these gestures and giving them more purpose.

Like Auslan, key word signing uses Australian signs and gestures to communicate however, unlike Auslan, key word signing uses speech when signed. The signing is simplified, using just the key words of the sentence which, unlike Auslan, keeps the same structure as spoken English. Auslan is a visual language and has its own structure, grammar and culture.”

This brief intro is accompanied by some example videos, which I encourage you to check out with your kids (or students come term time). There are plenty of key word signing and Auslan visual resources available online. It’s not only a great skill but a way to promote inclusive behaviours and attitudes in your children.

Australia’s Book Week may be over, but you can encourage year-long reading and imagination with your little (and big) ones! Your local library is the perfect place to start. And, if (like me) you’re busy juggling a day job and family activities these holidays, a Netflix binge session is also totally acceptable!