| "PEEP introduced my daughter
(at age five months) to books. Without PEEP I'd never
have thought of reading books with her at such an early
age." |
 |
From small beginnings, there are
now 19 PEEP
groups across Midlothian, all supporting reading in the
home. Group leaders, mostly from Sure Start, Education and
Health, are all trained by PEEP. One leader explains more...
How does PEEP help promote reading at home? People may have
different reasons for coming to PEEP, but nobody could fail
to notice that it's always about books and reading. The
PEEP programme supports parents and carers with their children's
early development, especially in language and communication.
PEEP does this by promoting the use of good quality books
and playpacks both in the group and at home (playpacks consist
of a book and a toy or activity that enhances the book's
topic). We have fun reading books, singing books and making
books in PEEP groups.
Every week in every PEEP group, time is spent on a book
session. Children and adults eagerly explore the selection
of books and playpacks out on display - they read together,
and are encouraged to borrow something. Book sharing time
is always very special and everyone takes part - all other
activities are tidied away at this time, so that even the
youngest children are concentrating on books.
There is always time for recommendations of favourites
- adults share with each other how they have enjoyed a book
or pack. The children are much quicker to spot a popular
book, so some books hardly get a moment in the borrowing
box before they are out on loan again. Of course, our borrowing
boxes contain a wide variety of books, because from a very
early age children do display their own preferences; we
encourage them to do this, by making all the books accessible
to them in a floor box.
PEEP has a broad understanding of books and reading. We
often make books together informally in the group, for sharing
- each child loves to see their own page in the group's
book being shown and talked about. It's even more special
to support the adult and child in making a book about themselves
or their interests to take home and share with their family.
These have been so successful that they have become family
treasures. All our families know that PEEP gives them invaluable
support for reading at home.
"Whenever he takes home a book
he likes from PEEP, he goes round all the family, so his
dad, his granddad, me, his 4 year old brother, we all have
to read it with him!"
(Jim, 2 years 5 months)
"The book she borrowed from
PEEP last week was so popular, she even took it with her
on a sleepover!" (Zara, 4 years 6 months)
"It's more about acting out the story,
with the playpack it widens it out, makes it more interactive.
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