A Bumper Success
We have received the first feedback to our Reading to the Bump training programme. And respondents are confident it could mean disadvantaged families turning over a new leaf.
Photo showing a pregnant woman
Novel idea
Run by ourselves and the Liverpool Learning Partnership, the pioneering scheme does exactly what it says on the tin, imbuing care givers with the confidence to encourage parents to communicate with their unborn child, largely through storytelling.
Research shows that the first 1001 days of a child’s life are pivotal in their brain’s development. Baby recognises not only sounds but distinguishes voices, allowing them to develop a unique bond with those who will eventually raise them.
The price of the converse
Whilst this kind of engagement stimulates the senses, develops vocabulary, and even encourages the growth of the brain, a lack of communications skills is proven to lead to trouble later in life. Some 60% of those in youth offenders’ institutions has issues with speech and language.
Every single delegate felt that the training, held in health and children centres plus libraries, was either interesting or very interesting. That number was repeated when they were asked how useful the sessions were.
Happy Ending
There are still lessons to be learned but now bolstered by new online resources and £1000 worth of books donated by the National Literacy Trust, locally organised reading events are sure to make the all-important difference during a child’s life and bind together sometimes broken families.”