Ahoy shipmates, this years National Bookstart Day, October 10, is set to be a wonderful celebration as it sets sail to Oldham’s Alexandra Park for a pirate party from 10:30am – 12pm.
Bookstart is a national programme encouraging parents and carers to enjoy books with children from as early an age as possible and this party aimed at 0-4 year olds is no exception. At the party, located in the children’s play area of the park, there will be pirate themed activities, a treasure hunt, pirate stories and rhymes, face painting, a pirate fancy dress competition, and much more. It looks set to be a fun-filled day, so come along!
Working through locally-based organisations, Bookstart gives the gift of free books to children at around eight months, 18 months and three years, along with guidance materials for parents and carers. Bookstart also aims to foster a love of books through a range of fun activities.
Janet Harrison Bookstart Co-ordinator from Oldham Council’s Early Years and Childcare Service said of the event: “National Bookstart Day is about reminding every family to make book sharing a regular part of their daily routine. Enjoying stories, songs and rhymes is a wonderful way to encourage children to be confident communicators and eager learners and children who enjoy books every day do far better when they start school. All the family can join in and share the fun that books can bring.”
Bookstart Champion Councillor Diane Williamson said: “We hope the pirate party in the park will be well attended. It will be a fun day for both the children and parents, and is also an excellent opportunity to encourage children and families to spend more time reading together.”
Bookstart Day also coincides with Children’s book Week 2008 which runs from October 6-12. There will be pirate themed activities taking place in libraries across Oldham. For more information, please contact your local library.
For more details about the pirate party in the park please contact Janet Harrison on 0161 770 8013.