29/9/2010 - Big Rhyme Time - (media invites)

A series of events takes place in Cumbria this week to celebrate Big Rhyme Time.

Nursery aged children will have favourite nursery rhymes read to them by county councillors and MPs throughout the county.

Big Rhyme Time promotes nursery rhymes as a useful learning tool to help young children develop the rhythm and patterns of language. 

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.

Councillor Duncan Fairbairn, Cumbria County Council cabinet member responsible for schools and learning, said:

"There is good evidence that early involvement with nursery rhymes and songs significantly improves early reading and language skills, so I'm 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."

As part of Big Rhyme Time, Cumbria County Council is also in search of Cumbria’s favourite rhyme –the intention is that guests will choose their favourite rhymne to read to the children. 

The public can see the list of ten rhymes and then vote for them at the following link: 

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

Events taking place this week in Cumbria: 

Workington, 30 September - Footsteps Nursery,Minto Centre, Nilsson Drive - 2.00pm - Tony Cunningham MP and Mayor of Allerdale attending - awaiting confirmation of county council representation. 

Whitehaven, 1 October - Howgill Centre site (not the main one), Catherine Street, Whitehaven, opposite the Copeland Council Centre 10.00am. Guests will be Jamie Reed MP, Cumbria County Council cabinet member Cllr Duncan Fairbairn, Cllr Mike McVeigh, Mayor of Copeland. 

Barrow, 1 October - Hollingarth Day Nursery, 1 Prospect Road - 10.00am - John Woodcock MP and mayor of Barrow attending - awaiting confirmation of county council representation. 

Kendal, 1 October - Meadow View at Stramongate, Stramongate School, Blackhall Road, - 11.00 am - Tim Farron MP attending - awaiting confirmation of county council representation.

Carlisle Castle, 1 October - 1.00 pm - John Stevenson MP attending. Council represenation to be confirmed.

This event will be themed on the grand old Duke of York, with lots of children 'marching up to the top of the hill and down again.' 

ENDS

Media enquiries to Media Officer Paul Bell on 01228 226337.