Article from the Guardian

Article from the Guardian
Author: Alison Flood Thursday 15 October 2009
Don't close the book on bedtime stories
Children are being read to less by parents and starting school with poor speech skills. The news that he chose to speak of the importance of reading stories to children before bedtime, or before bed. The author recalls the following passage that his parents ever read when I was little:
“Once there was a little girl called Sophie and she was having tea with her mummy in the kitchen. Suddenly there was a ring at the door ... Sophie opened the door, and there was a big, furry, stripy tiger. The tiger said, 'Excuse me, but I'm very hungry. Do you think I could have tea with you?'”

The author tells of the importance of reading children's literature to develop our skills of expression and creativity, of imagination. He also recounts his adventures with children's stories and gives the names and characteristics of them, for example:

“I've just remembered another favourite bedtime tale: Judith Kerr again, with Mog in the Dark, featuring the unforgettable mouse/dog/bird – I can still see the pictures. And, what's more, it finishes peacefully and cosily, with Mog back inside and having her supper; perfect for calming down fractious children. I'd love to hear your own memories of favourite bedtime stories, but top the mouse/dog/bird if you dare.”

In short, it is increasingly difficult to see parents who read fairy tales to their children when going to bed, parents prefer to turn on the television, they do not have time to read a story to their children, also get very tired of their house and just want to sleep, rest, today is little quality time spent with children.


You can find the full story in:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/oct/15/bedtime-stories-speech-skills