Best at bedtime stories

Sep 23 2008 by Hannah Davies, The Journal

TODDLERS in the North East enjoy more bedtime stories than any other children in the UK.

A survey by pre-school franchise Talking Tots shows More than 60% of toddlers in the region listen to three or more bedtime stories every night, with one in 10 listening to five or more books at bedtime.

“Bedtime stories are incredibly important, and research shows that regularly sharing books with your children stimulates their memory, vocabulary, social and emotional skills,” says Vicky Arthurs, who runs Talking Tots classes in Durham and Chester-le-Street. “Children who grow up with bedtime stories tend to have better communication skills, and have a head start when they arrive at school.”

Angela who runs classes in North Tyneside adds: “Parents shouldn’t worry about choosing books that are labelled ‘educational’. It’s much more important to choose a story that captures a little one’s imagination, and that they want to read night after night. Repetition is really important in stimulating memory and concentration.”

To help parents make the most of bedtime stories, Talking Tots has put together a guide for parents with advice on choosing appropriate stories for toddlers, and using bedtime stories to help stimulate communication and language skills. Parents can read expert advice and enter a competition to win £750 of bedtime toys and accessories at the Talking Tots Bedtime website, www.bedtimetots.com

For Durham Talking Tots classes contact Vicky on 07799 080004, for North Tyneside contact Angela on 07533 824533.