Parents, carers and their wee ones can look forward to getting on board the PlayTalkRead bus when it comes to Fife from 22 to 26 October. The initiative is designed to raise awareness of the positive impact parents can have on improving their children’s future life chances. On board the bus there will be plenty of free activities for parents to try out with their wee ones.

On board the bus there will be plenty of free activities for parents to try out with their wee ones. Often the best play ideas don’t cost a penny – A bottle could be a rocket or add some rice and it’s a musical shaker. Kids love using their imagination!

Storytelling doesn’t cost a penny and kids can develop up to 50% of their language skills before they are three. The Scottish Book Trust’s BookBug sessions support parents in giving their children a life-long love of reading and will provide parents and children with storytelling, rhymes and songs sessions during the sessions on the bus and lots of free ideas to take home.

There will also be supporting activities running in the Community Schools and Centres where the PlayTalk Read bus is visiting. These activities will be accessible to local children and families and will give them the chance to find out more about other parent and child groups in the area.

 The one-stop website http://playtalkread.org/ has fun and free resources to support parents to play, talk and read with their child, and an on-line community where they can register to chat with other parents, share tips, advice, photos and much, much more.

Aileen Campbell, Minister for Children & Young People, said: “The first three years in a child’s life are critical to their development and that’s why we’re investing in this new, greener PlayTalkRead bus. As it tours Scotland it’s a chance for parents and carers to get involved playing, talking and reading with their tots.”

There is evidence that prioritising intervention during the early years of children’s lives will cut the long-term costs incurred in terms of ill-health, poor education and criminal activity. Many of society’s big issues can be traced back to childhood and the PlayTalkRead roadshow is part of the Scottish Government’s commitment to early support for parents.

The bus will be visiting:  Leuchars Community Centre 22^nd  October, The Corrie Centre, Cardenden on 23^rd, Community Primary School, Inverkeithing on 24^th, Linton Community Centre, Kirkcaldy on 25^th, Inzievar Primary School, Oakley on 26^th.  All days from 10am to 12.30 pm and 1.30 to 4pm.

For more information contact

Carrie Lindsay, Area Education Officer 
Tel: 01383 609280 Contact Carrie Lindsay online
By Post: Fife Council, Rothesay House, Rothesay Place, Glenrothes, KY7 5PQ