Rhyme challenge to Wharfedale families (From Ilkley Gazette)

Rhyme challenge to Wharfedale families

9:00am Monday 14th January 2013 in Local news By Amanda Greaves

Families are being challenged to learn 10 rhymes in four weeks through events taking place in Wharfedale libraries.

Bradford Libraries is running a series of fun events across the Bradford district as part of the national Bookstart Rhyme Challenge, which offers an opportunity for parents, carers and their child to enjoy rhymes together.

The sessions, open to all children aged up to five, provide a chance for all the family to help youngsters develop early language skills and communicate more widely with peers and adults.

A session will take place at Burley-in-Wharfedale Library, on Grange Road, from 2.30pm to 3pm, on Monday. Further sessions will be held at Ilkley Library, Station Road, from 10.30am to 11.15am, on Saturday, February 2, and at Menston Library, Main Street, from 10.30am to 11.15am, on Saturday, February 16.

Every child who completes the challenge will receive a certificate at special celebration events attended by Bookstart Bear.

Bradford Council’s executive member responsible for culture, Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, said: “Rhymes help to build children’s confidence with words and enables them to develop a lifelong love of reading. The challenge will be a great way for families to sample their local rhyme-time sessions, meet other parents and rediscover their library facilities.”

It is estimated up to 4,000 pre-school age children across the district, including toddler groups, nursery schools and private day nurseries, will take part in the challenge. Visit bookstart.org.uk for more information.