Oban High, Early Years Team, Oban Library and CAST offered Lorn cluster schools and playgroups the chance to take part in the ‘Oban High Book Week’ held in February 2012. CAST offered spaces to pre-school and P1 & P2 children in Bookbug song and storytelling sessions lasting approx 50 mins. During each session we covered 8 songs and two stories delivered by the fabulous visiting storyteller Andy Cannon. CD’s and word sheets of the songs were sent out early January to allow schools to practice before the big day! The early years ‘Bookbug’ team led the sessions with help from Oban Library staff and Oban High Pupils and staff. 8 sessions were held on 22/23rd February 2012 in the Assembly hall, Oban high Each session accommodated approx 50 children and we had a grand total of 402 wee ones come along with helper, parents and teachers.
“I just wanted to say a huge thank you to you all from everyone here at Rockfield Pre-5, P1 and 2. We all had a fantastic time today and came up the road singing! We have decided that we will find ways of getting our P1’s and Pre-5 together to keep the songs going and learn new ones too.” Teacher, Rockfield Primary
Click the link below to view or download songbook
Bookbug sessions are delivered locally across Argyll & Bute and supported by Scottish Book Trust. Usually held in libraries or community centres, they are free and open to all parents/ carers and their babies. Each session lasts for approximately 40 minutes and comprises a number of songs and rhymes both new and familiar. Bookbug sessions help develop vocabulary and understanding, listening and responding skills and, through rhymes, develop articulation and pronunciation.
The aim of the sessions is to install music and books at the heart of the parent and child relationship at home while raising awareness of the links between singing and rhyming with babies and literacy development. New research from the University of Cambridge has discovered that the ability to hear beats in music is an extremely strong
predictor of reading ability.
A child who is able to keep a steady beat will naturally be a better reader. It could also be a key to overcoming dyslexia. Reading is all about breaking down letters, sounds and syllables. Keeping a beat does the same – it teaches us to segment, break down sounds and listen carefully. Music teaches our ears and our minds to hear pattern. Beat and music, which go hand in hand, help young children to become better readers.
