Bookstart - Reading at an Early Age
What is Bookstart?
Is my Baby Too Young?
How Do I Start?
Is it Worth it?
Handy Hints and Ideas!
Talks and Activities
Bookstart Bear's Reading Adventure
Suggested Booklist
What is Bookstart?
Bookstart is the world’s first national book gifting programme, established in 1992 and run by the reading charity BookTrust. The programme is funded by Arts Council England, as well as BookTrust’s partners and donors.
Bookstart provides free books and resources to every child 0-12 months.
- Bookstart Baby
This pack is gifted to children and their parents/ carers at the child’s 8-12 month development check by the health visiting teams. The pack contains one board book, information leaflet and a finger puppet. If you would like your Bookstart pack earlier please email book.start@tameside.gov.uk.
- Bookstart Toddler Pack
This is a targeted programme and is gifted through the health visiting teams and Family Hubs. - Bookstart Pre-schooler
This is a targeted programme and is gifted through the health visiting teams and Family Hubs.
Packs for children with additional needs
Booktouch - blind or partially sighted children
There are two packs Booktouch Baby (0-2 years) and Booktouch Toddler (3-5 years). Each pack has two touch-and-feel books and guidance around sharing books with blind and partially sighted children.
Bookshine - for children who are deaf
There are two packs: Bookshine Baby (0—2 years) and Bookshine Toddler (3-5 years). Each pack contains a book, sign language card and guidance around sharing books with deaf children.
This pack is available for children aged 3-5 years who have disabilities that impact on or delay the development of their fine motor skills. Each pack contains a touch-and-feel book, a board book and a finger puppet for playing along with the story as well as guidance sheets.
If you have any difficulty getting hold of any of the above packs please contact Bookstart on 0161 343 3443 or email book.start@tameside.gov.uk.
It is never too early to start looking at books with your child.
- 0-3months- In the first three months baby’s eyes are still developing. You can start singing rhymes with them and sharing books with black and white images.
- 3-6 months- Your baby’s eyes may be getting better at focusing and recognising faces. You could introduce books with mirrors or pictures of other babies.
- 6-9 months- Your baby may be starting to grab the books pages. Now’s a good time to introduce cloth books and sturdy books with flaps to lift and enjoy.
- 9-12 months- At this stage and in the months that follow, your baby may be starting to imitate the sounds you make. Books with simple sentences will help them learn these exciting first words.
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. It's a good way to snuggle up and calm down before going to sleep.
Time for a Rhyme Sessions
Bookstart Time for a Rhyme sessions for babies and the under 5s are held regularly at all Tameside libraries. Our sessions also run in the holidays!
- 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 Bookstart on 0161 343 3443 or email book.start@tameside.gov.uk who will be happy to answer any questions.
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.