- Read Write Count with the First Minister programme
celebrated.
Children across Scotland will be gifted a quarter of a million
books and counting activities as part of the Read Write Count
with the First Minister programme.
Around 248,000 books will be given to pupils in primary two and
three this year as part of a programme underlining the First
Minster’s personal commitment to supporting child literacy and
numeracy learning across the country.
Pupils in Gaelic Medium Education receive bags with copies of the
books in Gaelic and English accounting for 8,000 books in 2,000
bilingual bags.
Read Write Count with the First Minister aims to build parents'
confidence, and encourage families to include easy and fun
reading, writing and counting activities in their everyday lives.
The programme received Scottish Government funding of £932,132
for 2023-24.
First Minister visited Craigentinny Primary
School in Edinburgh to gift pupils with bags to mark Book Week
Scotland.
The First Minister said:
“I want to encourage all children to enjoy reading, writing, and
counting. Reading for pleasure is crucial in developing
children’s literacy skills, and our funded national programmes
such as Read Write Count with the First Minister are about
supporting and enhancing a love of reading from an early age.
“When I was young my favourite books were the ones that were fun
and that taught me something new. A good story, or a good book,
can open new worlds to us. Reading can even help us if we feel
sad, or if we’re unsure about something, and want to learn more
about it.
“The Read Write Count with the First Minister programme is a key
part of the Scottish Government’s commitment to raising
attainment by building parents' confidence and encouraging
families to include fun reading, writing and counting activities
in their everyday lives.”
Chief Executive Officer of Scottish Book Trust Marc Lambert said:
“Gifting books to children through the Bookbug and Read Write
Count with First Minister programmes is one of the highlights of
Book Week Scotland each year. For many children in Scotland, the
only books they have at home are the ones they are given by
Scottish Book Trust.
“Our Bookbug and Read Write Count bags reach children from birth
up to Primary 3, and we know they can make a big impact to
children’s lives. We’re grateful to the First Minister for
joining us at Craigentinny Primary School as the pupils and their
families were gifted the bags.”
Background
Launched in August 2015 the Read Write Count campaign, aims to
build parents' confidence, and encourage families to include easy
and fun reading, writing and counting activities in their
everyday lives.
Read Write Count is a key part of the Scottish Government’s
commitment to raise attainment by building parents' confidence
and encouraging families to include fun and easy reading, writing
and counting activities in their everyday lives and supports and
enhances a love of reading from an early age.
Read Write Count provides every child in Primary 2 and 3 with a
free bag with books, educational games and writing materials
annually. Scottish Book Trust in partnership with Education
Scotland and Parent Club also provide advice and support for
learning professionals and families through training and online
resources.
Notes to editors
Stephanie Dean, Head Teacher at Craigentinny Primary School,
said:
“The Read, Write, Count bags is a fantastic initiative that has a
huge impact on our pupils. As well as providing equity of access
to books and resources, the bags also encourage families to
support their children with reading, writing, and counting in a
fun way.
“This is so important as research shows the benefits of parental
engagement on their child’s learning and future successes. When
they receive their bags, the children are engaged and excited and
we hope this will help to promote a passion and lifelong love of
learning.”
