All parents want the best start for their children – and they all know that playing, talking and reading are key elements in the early years, helping young brains to develop and making childhood fun. Sometimes, though, it’s hard to think up new activities or to know which books to choose; Mums and Dads have huge demands on their time and their bank accounts – so wouldn’t it be good to get some friendly advice and brilliant ideas for easy, free things to do with your little ones? This week and next Bessie, one of the PlayTalkRead buses, is in and around Edinburgh, offering families all this and more.
PlayTalkRead is a government initiative; its website is packed full of suggestions for games, stories, songs, crafts and even healthy foods to enjoy with your child. Want to create a glittering underwater sea adventure? All you need is a plastic bottle, glitter, pipe cleaners and glue (and you could pick all that lot up in a pound shop). Want to know which ‘30 things you should laugh at before you’re 3‘? It’s all here – though No 29, ‘tell Mum your funniest joke‘ may be one for very occasional use.
A visit to Bessie makes a lovely day out for you and your child. Downstairs there are games and activities; on the top deck, there’s a special Bookbug story time to give your child the giggles or take them on a little adventure. The play buses aim to help children to have fun, enjoy learning and get more out of life – and they also offer parents a nice change of scene. There are always plenty of other parents with children to chat to, with friendly Play Leaders around to help you enjoy yourself and feel more confident when you Play, Talk and Read.
For a pre-visit activity, why not download and print off a Kid’s Bus Pass? Your child can colour it in and draw a lovely picture of themselves to bring along on the day. You don’t need it to get on the bus, they’re always free and everyone is welcome, but you’ll have fun making your child’s first bus pass together. Instructions are on the PlayTalkRead site here.
Bessie and the other play buses are completely free – and there may even be a little gift for your child when you leave –  so get on board soon. It’s a great way to help your child grow up smart, happy and at ease with the world.
Bessie will be at the following locations:
Thursday 14th January, 10am-1pm & 2-4pm: Ainslie Park Leisure Centre, 92 Pilton Drive.
Friday 15th January, 10am-1pm & 2-4pm: Carrickvale Community Centre, Saughton Mains Street
Monday 18th January, 10am-12.30pm: The Lasswade Centre, Lasswade Library, 19 Eskdale Drive, Bonnyrigg
Monday 18th January, 2-4pm: Loanhead Leisure Centre, George Avenue, Loanhead
Tuesday 19th January, 10am-12.30pm: Lidl Dalkeith, 5a Newmills Road, Dalkeith
Tuesday 19th January, 2-4pm: Mayfield Leisure Centre, 10 Mayfield Place, Dalkeith
Wednesday 20th January, 10am-12.30pm: Newtongrange Library, St Davids, Newtongrange, Dalkeith
Wednesday 20th January, 2-4pm: Cowden Park, Dalkeith
For enquiries about group visits to the bus, please call 0131 664 2308.
