Swansea picks its top nursery rhyme

Parents and children across Swansea have picked their favourite nursery rhyme.

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star came out on top in a poll organised by the Swansea Library Service.

The vote saw 3,400 people take part and was organised in the run-up to National Bookstart Day.

Incy Wincy Spider came in second place and Humpty Dumpty came third.

People were also asked to vote for their favourite Welsh language nursery rhyme and Mi Welais Jac y Do came out on top with Gee Geffyl Bach in second place and Heno Heno in third.

Artwork put together by local schoolchildren themed on their favourite nursery rhymes is now available in the Civic Centre’s exhibition area until November 2.

Figures show that parents in Wales are among the best in the UK when it comes to singing nursery rhymes to their children.

Other results show that over 70 per cent of people questioned in Wales could remember all the words to nine or more rhymes.

Cllr Graham Thomas, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Recreation and Tourism, said: “There are many long-term benefits of reading nursery rhymes and other books with children.

“It’s a key skill that helps with their speech and language development. Its importance can’t be overstated.

“I’d encourage parents to take time every day to enjoy reading with their children because children will certainly reap the rewards.”

Bookstart is a national programme that encourages all parents and carers to enjoy books with their children from as early an age as possible.

The scheme aims to provide a free pack of books to every baby in the UK to inspire, stimulate and create a love of reading that will give children a flying start in life and to show that books are fun.

Figures in Swansea show the scheme is reaching its 100 per cent target.

Have look at www.swansea.gov.uk/libraries for more information or call 01792 636464.

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