Rhymetime session at Ely and Caerau Community Hub <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\nAround 2,300 children are expected to take part in the celebration of Welsh rhymes across Wales at venues including a range of libraries such as Canton, Ely and Central. <\/p>\n\n\n
They will use Welsh and English\nrhymes and engage parents to support children\u2019s physical activity,\nco-ordination, confidence and speaking and listening skills.<\/p>\n\n\n
Helen Wales, head of BookTrust\nCymru, said: \u201cWhat happens in the early years really matters. It\u2019s sad to say,\nbut children who fall behind in the early years generally tend to stay behind. <\/p>\n\n\n
\u201cOne thing that can be overlooked\nis that it\u2019s hard to read and write if you don\u2019t have language already. What\nyou need to read and write is to speak and listen.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n
BookTrust liaise with Bookstart, which\nis funded by the Welsh Government. It provides English and Welsh book packs for\nbabies and toddlers at their respective six- and 27-month health check-up. <\/p>\n\n\n
Margaret Holt, Bookstart co-ordinator,\nsaid: \u201cIt\u2019s nice to have these promotions to support the importance of cheering\nrhymes and songs. It\u2019s not just about the educational side, but socially and\nfor the baby\u2019s development. It creates a bond with the parent and child.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n
Mrs Holt uses bilingual books and\nrhymes in English and Welsh.<\/p>\n\n\n
She said: \u201cThe rhymes and songs\nparticularly are ideal ways of encouraging non-welsh speakers to enjoy the\nlanguage, since you\u2019re playing with words. <\/p>\n\n\n
\u201cSongs break down the barrier of thinking \u2018I can\u2019t access Welsh at all’.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n
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