Thursday, 08 May 2008 15:59

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star is Argyll and Bute's favourite nursery rhyme of all time, according to a new survey.

This traditional classic, published in 1806 has beaten modern rhymes such as Five Little Monkeys and a Hedgehog is Very Prickly, to the top spot. Ally Bally took second place in the poll and Hey Diddle Diddle came in third.

The poll of children and parents across Argyll and Bute was conducted by book-gifting programme, Bookstart in Scotland, to raise awareness of its free Bookstart Rhymetimes for children aged birth to three-years and their parents or carers.

Councillor Isobel Strong, Argyll and Bute Council's spokesperson for Education and Lifelong Learning, said: "It is wonderful to see the enduring popularity of these traditional rhymes which are passed down through generation after generation.

"Nursery rhymes help to stimulate childrens' minds and Bookstart Rhymetimes encourages the youngsters to enjoy singing rhymes, listening to stories and reading books, whether it's old classics or something new.

"Bookstart Rhymetimes have been running in Argyll and Bute since October 2007, as an extension of the Bookstart programme which the Council signed up to in 2000. These sessions are usually held in libraries or other community venues throughout the area, are free to attend and incorporate a mix of modern and classic rhymes, songs, movement and books."

Benjamin Huysamer from Campbeltown was also selected at random from all the entries as the lucky winner and will be presented with his prize at a Rhymetime session in his local area.

The number one nursery rhyme in Scotland was found by the survey to be Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, followed closely by Humpty Dumpty.

For further details about Bookstart Rhymetimes, log on to www.bookstart.org.uk.

There will be a number of Bookstart Rhymetime sessions held across Argyll and Bute to celebrate Bookstart in Scotland Day on May 15th. For further information please contact Linda Burgar, Oban Education Office on 01631 564908 or email linda.burgar@argyll-bute.gov.uk .

EDITORS NOTES

1. Bookstart in Scotland is part of the UK wide Bookstart programme administrated by Booktrust that encourages all parents and carers to enjoy books with children from as early an age as possible. We want every child in the UK to develop a lifelong love of books. It is a public and private partnership and benefits from sponsorship from over 20 children’s publishers, Red House Books and central funding from the Scottish Government.

2. Working through locally-based organisations, Bookstart gives the gift of free books to children at around eight weeks, 18 months and three years, along with guidance materials for parents and carers. Bookstart also aims to foster a love of books through a range of fun activities. Parents wishing to receive a pack should speak to their Health Visitor or contact their local library.

3. Booktrust is an independent charity that promotes books and reading for people of all ages. The charity runs a number of popular reading projects, in addition to managing literary prizes and a book-information telephone service. Booktrust offers a wide range of resources, publications, and services covering many aspects of books and children's reading. Booktrust is independent and not affiliated to any publishing or media group.

4. Launched in Birmingham in 1992 with just 300 babies, Bookstart became a national scheme in January 1999. By March 2000, Bookstart in the UK had become the first national baby book-gifting scheme in the world.

5. The theme for this year’s Bookstart in Scotland Day (15th May) is Music, to highlight the Bookstart Rhymetimes pilot project currently running in several local authorities throughout Scotland. The initiative has been developed as an extension of the existing Bookstart Rhymetimes programme, and is intended to roll Bookstart Rhymetimes out on a national scale by providing in-depth training and Bookstart Rhymetimes toolkits to local authorities throughout Scotland. The overall aim of the initiative is to install music and books at the heart of the parent and child relationships at home, while raising awareness of the links between singing and rhymes and literacy development.