Learning initiative first trialled at Towerbank Primary set to be rolled out nationwide

ALMOST 130,000 free packs of books and games are being sent to all children in primaries two and three as part of moves to boost their literacy and numeracy skills.
By The Newsroom
Published 10th Nov 2016, 12:32 BST
Updated 16th Nov 2016, 15:38 BST

This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.

John Swinney hopes the new initiative will improve education levels. Picture: Contributed.John Swinney hopes the new initiative will improve education levels. Picture: Contributed.
John Swinney hopes the new initiative will improve education levels. Picture: Contributed.

The bundles are said to have been designed to provide a fun learning experience for youngsters at school and home, with experts hoping they will encourage parents to engage actively in their child’s learning.

The packs are funded by the Scottish Government and are being delivered by the Scottish Book Trust as part of the Read, Write, Count campaign.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Education Secretary John Swinney, who first launched the initiative at the Capital’s Towerbank Primary School, voiced his commitment to closing the attainment gap during the lifetime of this parliament.

He said: “We know there is a direct link between strong family learning environments and progress in reading, writing and counting, which is why these packs are specifically designed to encourage family engagement and help parents and carers become more involved in their child’s learning journey.

“By forging a stronger connection between how our young people learn and play, both at home and in school, we hope to inspire a lifelong love of learning that will ensure every child in Scotland has the ability to reach their full potential.”

About 128,000 packs, and another 1,600 in Gaelic, are being distributed through schools in the run-up to Book Week Scotland, which starts on November 21.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The P2 bundle contains two picture books, a snakes and ladders game, finger puppets, a notebook, writing pencil and coloured pencils. The P3 pack contains the same items, with the game replaced by playing cards with numbers on them.

Marc Lambert, chief executive of the Scottish Book Trust, said: “Doing fun things with your children is one of the great things about being a parent - it makes you and your children happy and helps build stronger bonds.

“These packs have, therefore, been carefully designed to provide a fun learning experience for pupils both at school and at home, supporting parents of children in primaries two and three who want to take a more active role in their children’s learning.”

DOWNLOAD THE EDINBURGH EVENING NEWS APP ON ITUNES OR GOOGLE PLAY

Related topics:John SwinneyScottish GovernmentScotland