Reading.

According to recent research parents are not reading enough to their children. There are of course many reasons for this decline of a very good and fruitful habit. However the most often sited one being - that parents are too tired after an exhausting day. In addition many kids prefer to watch TV or play on their various electronic games, chat on the phone to friends etc. Nevertheless this is a deprivation both for the parent and child. Schools are increasingly finding that many children turn up unable to read the most simple of words. This means they are already at a major disadvantage especially compared to middle class kids. That late start can mean they stay disadvantaged for many year into their school life. The joy of reading is infectious. I recall reading each morning to my son and daughter nursery rhymes, Peter Rabbit, Each Peach Pear Plum, Where The Wild Things Are and a host of other jolly stories. I know I benefited from the experience and I think they did. So I was fascinated to learn that a brand new £200 million library had just been opened in Birmingham. This splendid new facility is the largest public library in Europe. Lets hope the people of Birmingham will enjoy this space and celebrate by reading more to their children.