We live in a constructed world

I wonder how you grew up.

Were your parent strict or lenient? Did they believe in God, or in a better future, or in the power of the mind? Were they private or participants in public life? Introverted or extraverted?

Whatever your background, you will view this site differently. We all, from birth, assemble our pictures of what the world is like. We use words and pictures to teach, learn and discuss how closely our ‘constructed meaning’ matches the real world.

I earn my living from assembling words and images in ways that convey information and, perhaps, encourage action. You can find some of my constructions here.

Who am I?

Hugh Todd writes and designs in the Blue Mountains west of Sydney, Australia.

Early literacy and cartoons

Rhonda Brain, from Parkes, western New South Wales, is an inspiration. She is responsible for a widening community movement to inculcate the skills children need before they can learn to read and write.

She says the first three years are crucial for laying the foundations for literacy. These include good conversation, singing, introduction to the joy of books and other language activities.

‘Paint the Blue (Mountains) Re(a)d’ is the local version of this push for early literacy. It encourages everyone in the community to become aware of, and participate in, activities that promote these pre-literacy skills in very young children. You can find more about it here.

The little mascot above, Billy Booksie, is my contribution to publicity. Good fun!