February 21, 2008
TOTS in Helenbsurgh and Lomond are getting tuned in to books, thanks to a novel new initiative.
Babies and toddlers at Bounce and Tickle now have access to free singing and rhyming sessions which will help to give them a head start in the world of literacy.
The Bookstart Rhymetime project — which aims to install music and books at the heart of the parent child relationship — was launched with the help of Argyll and Bute Council and The Scottish Arts Council Youth Music Initiative.
The sessions combine nursery rhymes, songs and the use of puppets to bring stories to life.
Carolyn Williamson from Bounce and Tickle said: “It is a way to promote reading and books with young children and gets parents interacting with their kids. It helps their music and language development and is really good from a bonding point of view — and it’s fun.”
She and colleague Victoria Fletcher attended a recent training session to boost their expertise.
Victoria said: “We have had the opportunity of being trained and mentored by some of the country’s leading music educationalists. We hope that what we have learnt will compliment the good practice that was already going on at Helensburgh Bounce and Tickle.”
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