How It Works

How it works

Incarcerated parents choose a new book for their child from a selection of titles, then make a recording of themselves reading the book. The book and recording are mailed to the family.

The on-site sessions are welcoming and informal. Participants make personalised book marks or cards to accompany their child’s package. The focus of these sessions is about the importance of supporting a child’s language and literacy development. 

Stock Photo

Read Along Mums and Dads offers a tangible way for children affected by incarceration to feel connected and loved by their missed parent, while building literacy skills and family connections.

‘The school told my mum that my two boys are now in the top twenty-percent of their classes for reading. We’ve never been readers my family, and with the kids having new books and them both reading along with my recordings over the last year or so, I reckon it’s changed things. I feel really good about that for my kids, but also knowing I played a part in the change.‘
_{Read Along Dads participant, quoted with permission.}