Young families can take part in some fun onboard a “playground” bus touring Aberdeenshire this week.
Designed as a free drop-in playground, the PlayTalkRead bus – known as Benji – parents and their children can enjoy some interactive play, and get some ideas on how to continue playing, talking and reading at home.
The first stop yesterday was Fraserburgh, and about 20 families enjoyed interactive storytelling, song and rhyme sessions and crafts. The sessions have been designed to give parents and carers ideas of ways to entertain their children for free, while also helping them read and learn.
Martin McMullan, a play worker on the bus, said: “The bus gives people ideas on cost-effective play, talk and reading options. It’s not about expensive toys, but what you can make at home and by being part of that process, children and their parents or carers are playing and talking together.
“In the bus we’ve got a real mix of books and toys. Some of them are handmade, and we’ve also got sand, soil and ice cream scoops for them to play with – it’s about reusing the utensils at home.”
Today, the bus will be at Drummer’s Corner in Peterhead and tomorrow Market Street in Ellon.
On Thursday, the team will visit The Square, Inverurie and on Friday, Benji will be parked up at the Beach Promenade in Stonehaven. It will be open from 10am-1pm and 2pm-4pm in each location.
Acting Minister for Children and Young People Fiona McLeod – a former librarian – welcomed the roadshow, which will visit all local authority areas in the country as part of the Scottish Government’s Early Years campaign.
She said: “Playing, talking and reading is all about enjoying time together with your wee one from day one, it can give them a better start in life and make a positive different to their health and happiness in the future.”
As well as the buses, there is a website with tips and advice for parents. Visit www.playtalkread.org