Trust bags are just write

Teachers in Renfrewshire are hailing an increase of their pupils’ enthusiasm for reading after receiving Read, Write, Count bags.

The Read, Write, Count bags are given every year to families of primary two and primary three children.

A Scottish Book Trust survey reveals that parents, carers and teachers are welcoming the bags as a highly valuable resource which had a positive impact at home and in the classroom.

The study found 79 per cent of teachers said the bags had a positive impact on their teaching practice, and 77 per cent of parents said it made them realise the importance of being involved in their child’s learning.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney said:“It is vital to help young people develop a love of reading at an early age, so I am delighted to see teachers and parents hail the positive impact which Read, Write, Count bags are having at home and in the classroom.

“We know that increased parental engagement has a significant impact on children’s academic achievements.

“It is often in close family moments like reading at bedtime where a passion for books is ignited and I’m pleased to note that our Read, Write, Count campaign is successfully encouraging more parents to read with their children at home.

“Our gift bags are an essential resource for some of our most vulnerable learners, playing an important role in improving both literacy and numeracy.

This intervention in the early years is crucial in helping to close the attainment gap between young people from different backgrounds in our schools.”

Scottish Book Trust is funded by the Scottish Government to develop and deliver the Read, Write, Count gift bags.