Engaging online content produced at Edinburgh is supporting a literacy and numeracy initiative that strengthens links between home and school learning.
Researchers in Moray House School of Education and Sport have created short films that encourage parents to get involved in the Scottish Book Trust's Read, Write, Count programme.
Each film highlights an activity that helps children get the best out of gift bags that are distributed to every Primary 2 and 3 pupil in Scotland as part of the project.
The videos, produced by Moray House Read, Write, Count Collaborative group, complement the resources that accompany the P3 Read Write Count bags.
The free book bags - a key element of the Scottish Government's drive to raise attainment levels - contain books, counting games and writing materials.
We know how hard it can be for families in lockdown so we hope these videos can inspire them make the most of this valuable resource.
Inspiring ideas
Lead researcher Gale Macleod said the films can inspire families to include easy and fun reading, writing and counting activities in their everyday lives. All of the films are created by family learning practitioner Barbara Middleton.
Dr Macleod said the videos -aimed at parents of primary 3 pupils - will be welcomed by parents who have been doing great work in supporting their children's learning at home.
The films are inspired by the programme's two P3 books - Wow! Animals by Jacqueline McCann and Emma Dods and Look Up! by Nathan Bryan and Dap Adeola.
Welcome to the Bag Unpacked video series
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- Video: Welcome to the Primary 3 Bag Unpacked video series
- This video introduces the Read Write Count Primary 3 Back Unpacked video series
What's in your bag?
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- Video: What's in the Bag? RWC P3 Bag Unpacked
- An introduction to the contents in the P3 RWC Bag
Family fun
There are range of interactive ideas for families to try out together. These include making a potato paw print for animal tracking, a handy set of binoculars and a bottle rocket ship for launching into the sky.
Where possible, all materials are everyday, inexpensive items that families might have around the house and the activities invite families to step outdoors for enjoyable play.
Researchers originally secured Scottish Government funding to develop book bag activities with parents and pupils face to face, but Covid-19 has moved everything online. Activities can now be accessed through the School website.
Parental involvement in children's learning is one of the best ways to improve educational outcomes for all children.
