'Embrace the delights of spring and help brighten your family's lives'
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Scottish Government Viewpoint
PLAYTALKREAD is calling for all parents and carers of young children in the Highlands to embrace the great outdoors and enjoy the extra hour of daylight with their wee ones.
With spring in full swing and the clocks going forward on Sunday, PlayTalkRead is encouraging parents and carers to incorporate fun, simple and free outdoor activities into their daily routines.
The Scottish Government campaign, which encourages parents and carers of young children to play, talk and read together to give children the best possible start in life, has created a list of things to do to inspire parents throughout spring.
The list includes every day activities that don't involve lots of toys or extra equipment, such as finding shapes in the clouds or going on a blossom hunt.
Blowing bubbles in the park, collecting things from outside to stick on a nature collage, and feeding seed to birds also feature among the suggestions.
A recent survey of parents and carers across the country revealed Scotland's little ones love getting out and about in the great outdoors more than anything else.
Carried out as part of the Scottish Government's PlayTalkRead campaign, the poll found that exploring Scotland's great outdoors and spotting wildlife were families' favourite activities.
Minister for Childcare and Early Years, Mark McDonald, said: "Spring is the perfect time of year to get out and about more and we want parents and carers in the Highlands to use the extra hour of daylight to spend time with their little ones exploring the great outdoors.
"Playing, talking and reading with your child is important, it can bring parents and their wee ones closer and make their time together more enjoyable. PlayTalkRead's list of things to do this spring doesn't involve lots of toys or expensive equipment and can easily be incorporated into a walk to the shops or during a visit to the park."
Visit www.playtalkread.scot for loads of ideas for fun, simple and free activities to enjoy together.
You can also visit the official PlayTalkRead Facebook page at www.facebook.com/playtalkread or follow PlayTalkRead on Twitter @playtalkread for lots of handy tips and advice.
