FAMILIES with young children in the Borders are being urged to get on board the Scottish Government’s Play Talk Read initiative.
It’s a cheme that encourages parents and carers to incorporate playing, talking and reading within their daily routines.
The three activities are seen by educationalists at Holyrood as a way of laying the foundations for a child’s long-term future.
Last month the project’s fun buses – Bessie and Benji – spent two weeks touring the Borders with activities for children aged up to three years.
Scotland’s minister for children and young people, Aileen Campbell, commented: “We can never underestimate the power of play and its crucial role in the positive development of our wee ones.
“The first three years in a child’s life are critical to their development. Our buses help give them the best start in life. The good news for mums and dads is that they don’t have to wait until their kids are bigger to do fun things together. There are lots of opportunities to have simple fun every day and for little cost.”
z www.playtalkread.org