A novel way to learn their A, B, C’s

Young children and families are benefitting from a literacy programme aimed to inflame a child’s love of reading.

Renfrewshire’s Provost Anne Hall with parents, children and nursery staff

Renfrewshire Provost Anne Hall visited Linwood Community Childcare to see the Literacy Fun Club firsthand as it aims to address the attainment gap at the first stage of education.

Provost Hall observed children learning about The Gruffalo which included a group reading session, a Gruffalo Hunt and the creation of finger puppets to inject a sense of fun into reading out with the traditional approach.

The Club runs for six weeks with a different book and activity each week designed to develop a child’s love of stories, reading and to develop their imagination beyond the book itself.

A parent reading with their child

The children and their families create a family box during the first week which stores each book and activity they complete.

At the end of the six weeks, they are able to take their ‘mini-library’ home creating a literacy resource which they can explore, re-visit and ultimately develop further.

The early intervention project was awarded £2300.40 by the Houston, Crosslee, Linwood, Riverside and Erskine Local Area Committee (LAC) to support the group’s aims and provide resources for the families to use across the six weeks.

Parents and their children making finger puppets

Provost Hall said: “It’s great to see the children so excited to read their latest book and take part in the fun activities.

“A love for reading is extremely beneficial in aiding a child’s education and sparking a willingness to learn and we should encourage this time of approach to education.

“Strong literacy skills increase the opportunities for the individual in all aspects of life and it is great to see this project bring families together to support their child’s learning.”