‘Make time for family reading’

Jan 4 2008 by Hazel Ettienne, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

FAMILIES in Huddersfield are being urged to put reading with their children on their list of new year’s resolutions.

Ed Balls, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, this week called for people to make books and reading a part of everyday life for children.

This year is the National Year of Reading campaign.

From January to March, organisations and authorities will be asked to take up the Reading Challenge, to pledge and plan their support, with activities beginning in April.

Mr Balls said: “This year I’d like to encourage people to add a slightly different resolution to the list, one that will, hopefully, have a long-term impact on their lives and that of their children.

“If we all promise to read more to our children then we can help children of all ages to see that reading can bring fun to their lives, feed their imagination and develop their curiosity about the world.

“As parents we need to make reading a part of everyday life for our children, whether that is reading stories to younger children or talking about books and magazines with older kids.

“As a parent myself I know how busy life can get. But if you can find five or 10 minutes to read with your child every night before bedtime it can make all the difference.

“Reading needs to be as much part of children’s routine as brushing their teeth and having a bath.

“It is never too early to start. Parents who introduce their babies to books can give them a head start in school, which can have a lasting impact throughout their education.”