Plans to boost Baliwick pre-schoolers literacy skills

Language for Literacy training aims to help Guernsey children develop a rich vocabulary

Pre-school children are being offered a helping hand with their literacy skills.

Language for Literacy training aims to help children develop vocabulary skills, a love of stories and a confidence in drawing and writing.

Parents are also being encouraged to learn how to support their children.

Ruth Sharp, head of Early Years, said: "The programme is designed to help children develop the skills they need to succeed in school and beyond.

"Sharing books with babies and young children on a regular basis is crucial to developing a love of stories and an interest in reading for pleasure."

Sue Le Page, co-owner of Butterflies Pre-School, said: "It is important that when you read with your child you take time out of your day and do so in an engaging way so they don't see it as a chore.

"We use props to tell the story and that really gets them excited."

'Reading for pleasure'

Leigh-Ann Rabey, a mother of a pre-schooler, said: "He's starting school next year and his brother really benefited from the reading here at Butterflies."

So far more than 250 families across the Bailiwick have benefited from the sessions which have taken place in 12 pre-school and four reception classes.