Bookstart - Reading at an Early Age
Tameside Bookstart
What is Bookstart?- Is my Baby Too Young?
- How Do I Start?
- Is it Worth it?
- Handy Hints and Ideas!
- Talks and Activities
- Suggested Booklist
What is Bookstart?
Bookstart is a scheme which encourages parents to share books with babies and young children.
Tameside Bookstart Project began in 1996 and is recognised nationally as a flagship scheme.
Bookstart nationally receives support from the Government and there are now 3 free Bookstart packs for children aged 0 to 4.
- Pack 1 for Babies around the age of 9 months
This is given to parents by their Health Visitor during a home visit around the age of 9 to 12 months. - Pack 2 Bookstart + Pack
This is given to parents at a 2 year play and developmental session at the clinic. It is also available from your local library but you will need to take your child's red health record book. - Pack 3 Treasure Box
This is given to parents of children in the school year in which they reach their 4th birthday. Boxes are handed out by Bookstart staff at Nursery schools when parents are invited to attend a talk about book sharing. Don't worry if your child attends a private nursery because packs will also be given out there.
In addition now available:
Book Touch
For visually impaired children aged 0 – 4
Book Shine
For hearing impaired children aged 0-4
If you have any difficulty getting hold of any of the above packs please contact Bookstart on 0161 343 7824
Is my baby too young?
It is never too early to start looking at books with your child.
How do I start?
It can be difficult at first, babies do not concentrate for very long. Try using books in lots of different ways, make it a fun activity and you won't go wrong.
Is it worth it?
Yes, not only does it help to create a close bond between parent and child, it also helps to develop a child's language and concentration skills. Remember books build brighter babies!
Handy hints and ideas!
Books can be read anywhere. On the bus, in the car, on a train, on your knee, doctor's surgery in fact anywhere you choose. Once your child takes an interest in books they will find it an enjoyable and worthwhile activity.
"Thank you Bookstart my child loves her books, she looks at them every day." (Parent)
Start by using the book as a toy. Hide the characters and play peekaboo. Make the story up as you go along.
Involve your child as much as possible. Name each picture, find certain things, have fun learning together. Talk about the book. Let your child turn the pages to discover new pages, or encourage your child to lift flaps and make noises.
"I think Bookstart is a very valuable project. Keep up the good work." (Health Visitor)
Nursery rhymes and songs are just as important. They also help with your child's language and concentration skills.
"My son's language has really improved since I started telling him nursery rhymes." (Parent)
Bedtime is a great time to share a book. Its a good way to snuggle up and calm down before going to sleep.
Book Crawl
From July 7th we are running a Book Start “Book Crawl” for 0 to 4 year olds in all Tameside Libraries.
This year there will be no time limit it will be ongoing.
Collect your new Book Crawl card and start collecting the specially designed Book Crawl certificates.
Each library visit to borrow books gains a stamp on your card and after 4 visits you will be awarded a certificate.
The Book Crawl certificates are lovely keepsakes of your child’s earliest years as a library member.
Time for a Rhyme Sessions
Nursery Rhyme sessions for babies and the under 4's are held regularly at all Tameside libraries.
Come along and join in the fun.
Half hour sessions with puppets and musical instruments.
Learn some new rhymes and help your child's speech development.
Everyone welcome.
For more information Send Us a Message about Time for a Rhyme Sessions or telephone 0161 343 7824 who will be happy to answer any questions. Alternatively, look at the events calendar which details the talks and activities.
Remember! Use your Library, books are free, and babies can join from birth.
Suggested Booklist
- Peepo (Ahlberg, J and H)
- Each peach pear plum (Jane and Alan Ahlberg)
- Dear Zoo (Campbell, R)
- The Very Hungry Caterpillar (Carle, E)
- Hug (Jez Alborough)
- Where's Spot? (Hill, E)
- Rosie's Walk (Hutchins, P)
- Maisy likes playing (Lucy Cousins)
- Peek a boo nursery games (Annie Kubler)
- Sleepy baby (Fiona Watt)
- Come on Daisy! (Simmons, J)
Remember make it... Fun!
New parents...don't miss out.
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 0161 343 7824
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