Parents in Newtown are being urged to get involved in a project launched at the town’s library to encourage reading among young children.
Powys Library Service has joined forces with Booktrust UK to help promote a three step bed-time reading programme for parents and carers called ‘Bath, Book, Bed!’
The programme which aims to help introduce young children to early reading while relaxing them into an easier sleeping routine has also received support from Powys Teaching Health Board whose health visitors and nursery nurses work with new parents to support good parenting techniques from feeding to early language development.
A recent BBC report highlighted concerns around sleep stating that ‘…more children were suffering from ‘sleep related problems’ often precipitated by ‘over stimulation’ before bedtime.’
Portfolio holder for Libraries, Cllr Rachel Powell said: “Reading a story to a child before bed helps reinforce the feelings of comfort and security and builds positive attachments between care-givers and their child. This has long term benefits within a family relationship.”
She added: “After a nice bath, this gentle reading practice provides a simple and effective way of relaxing your child and ensuring they have sweet dreams. It also creates a positive association with books and develops an early appreciation to the magical world of storytelling.”
The initiative was launched at Newtown Library and libraries throughout Powys will offer information to those interested on this programme, offer ‘ten top tips for reading to your child’ and a large selection of books which can be borrowed for free from any local library in Powys.
Sharon Fernandez, Health Visitor Team Leader at Powys Teaching Health Board added: “It is well recognised that the early weeks, months and years of a child’s life form the foundations for their future development. Sharing a bedtime story, together with talking and singing with your child, can be a pleasurable experience for both, so we would encourage parents to take advantage of this programme.”
Photo: Portfolio Holder Cllr. Rachel Powell, Reader Development Librarian, Trish Thomas and parents and babies attending Newtown’s regular story time on Monday afternoons.
