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8/9/2010 - Big Rhyme Time

If you go down to Birdoswald Roman fort on Monday you're sure of a big surprise ....

That's where Humpty Dumpty will be sitting on the wall while councillors read tradtitional rhymes to a group of nursery children. 

The event celebrates Big Rhyme Time, a week of activities (27 September - 3 October) to promote the value of nursery rhymes as a useful learning tool to help young children develop the rhythm and patterns of language.

Cumbria County Council Chairman Cllr Bert Richardson, county council cabinet member responsible for schools and learning Cllr Duncan Fairbairn and Carlisle Mayor Cllr Mary Styth will be among those reading nursery rhymes to nursery aged children, accompanied by nursery staff and parents.

A two feet high papier mache Humpty Dumpty will be sat on the wall to oversee procedings.

Cllr Fairbairn said:

"There is good evidence that early involvement with nursery rhymes and songs significantly improves early reading and language skills so I am pleased to support this initiative.

Giving Cumbria’s young children a head start in language skills will pay dividends in the future for them, their families and the communities they live in."

All Early Years settings across Cumbria are being encouraged to organise activities to generate, promote and sustain a love of nursery rhymes with the children in their settings and with their families. 

The importance of rhyme for children’s speaking, listening and literacy development can not be overstated. 

Becoming interested in the rhythm and pattern of language through rhymes at an early stage lays down vital skills for having fun with words, exploring sounds and language development.

Big Rhyme Time is linked into the national ‘Rhyme Challenge 2010’ organised by Booktrust.

As part of Big Rhyme Time, Cumbria County Council is also in search of Cumbria’s favourite rhyme –you can vote at : 

www.cumbria.gov.uk/childrensservices/childrenandfamilies/familysupport/bigrhymetime.asp 

ENDS

Media enquiries to Media Officer Paul Bell on 01228 226337.