Reading is now bags more fun (From Barry And District News)

Reading is now bags more fun

A BARRY school is leading the way in bringing stories to life for young children with the launch of the Storysack Project.

Jenner Park Primary School has made storysacks for more than 100 pupils. The sacks are full of helpful items to bring a story to life.

Teacher and organiser of the project Julie De La Bastide said: "Parents and volunteers helped to make the sacks and most of the toys in them.

"A lot of work has gone in to the making of the sacks and people have given their time to help us finish the project.

"The bags can be taken home and parents can help their child learn."

On the launch evening, the school thanked all the companies who sponsored sacks.

One of the tales in the sacks is The Journey, which tells of a young boy's trip. There are various material buildings, a map of the area on a mat and other pieces which bring the words to life.

Other items in the bags are a factual book, a game related to the story and a suggestions book for parents to fill. Each sack can be taken out of the library and used by parents.

Mathematics and other subjects can be linked in with stories to teach children. An audio tape is also available in some sacks for parents who do not feel confident enough to read to their children.

Neil Griffiths was the first person to come up with the idea for children. He was a headteacher in England and now writes books for children. There are countries as far afield as South Africa where the storysack is used in schools.

Jenner Park headteacher Stewart Davies said: "I have been in teaching for many years and I am very impressed with the idea.