The Skainos Centre in east Belfast recently hosted a reading fair organized by Eastside Learning. This event aimed to boost parents' confidence in reading with their children, a key component of the Big Bedtime Read scheme. The scheme encourages parents and children to engage in bedtime reading rituals, fostering a love for books among the young attendees. Parents and children from St Matthew's Primary and Nursery School participated, expressing enthusiasm for the initiative.
Parents like Faith Ritchie and Jennifer Donnelly have embraced the joy of reading with their daughters. Ritchie reads with her daughter most nights and emphasizes the significance of this practice. She noted, "I find it's a good way to engage with my daughter, to spend time and bond with her." Ritchie believes that reading plays a crucial role in developing speech and language skills, which are essential for academic success.
"The bond between the parent and the child is developed, the speech and language is developed," said Faith Ritchie.
Jennifer Donnelly echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the irreplaceable experience of reading together.
"There is no app to replace your lap," she stated. "When children are developing their speech and language, a book can take you anywhere."
The event also addressed concerns about technology's impact on children's reading habits. Donnelly acknowledged the occasional value of technology but stressed the superiority of traditional reading experiences.
"Although there is a place for technology at times, we feel that if a child is sitting reading with you, turning the pages and learning all about how to read the book, it's so much better than the technology," she remarked.
Ruth Guildea, another participant, underscored the importance of parental confidence in reading.
"Just being confident that they're doing the right thing for their child is really, really important," Guildea explained.
The reading fair coincided with recent guidance from Education Minister Paul Givan, advising all schools to restrict mobile phone use during school hours. Some schools have already implemented measures to limit phone usage. Parent Jessica Gilmore, whose daughter is not yet in P1, expressed her intention to delay introducing her daughter to mobile phones until she reaches P7.
The response from parents at the fair was overwhelmingly positive, with many appreciating the opportunity to enhance their children's literacy skills in a supportive environment. These sentiments reflect a growing awareness of the need to balance technology with traditional educational practices.
