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

• 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 at two key stages before school to help families read together every day and inspire children to develop a love of reading.

• Pack 1, Baby Pack
  This pack is gifted to children and their parents/ carers at the child’s nine month development check by the health visiting teams.  The pack contains two board books, information booklet for parents/ carers, a rhyme time poster and is presented in a purple bag.
• Pack 2, Treasure Pack
  This pack is gifted to children in the school year in which they reach their 4th birthday. Treasure packs are handed out by the Bookstart Officer at Nursery schools which parents/ carers are invited to attend a talk about books. Don't worry if your child attends a private nursery because packs will also be given out there.  This packs contains a picture book, an information booklet with hints and tips for parents/ carers all presented in a blue interactive envelope.

 

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 bling 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 two books, a rhyme mat and guidance around sharing books with deaf children.
Bookstart Star- for children with conditions affecting their fine motor skills 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 7824

 

Newborn packs: Black and White booklets

You will receive your newborn pack within the first few weeks from your Health Visitor.
Sharing books with your baby in the first months can help to grow a reader for life. Cuddle up and enjoy your newborn pack together 
The newborn pack contains:

• A congratulations card to celebrate the birth of your child.
• A booklet containing black-and-white images for you to share with your newborn baby

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. 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 Send Bookstart a message  or telephone 0161 342 3443 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.