Many kids struggle to spell their name right up until the age of six, according to a new study that showed more than one in three (34%) are having difficulty.
To improve literacy and encourage their children, parents are finding ways to make spelling and reading more fun.
This includes offering rewards such as extra screen time for each book read (23%) and tried-and-true methods such as treats as rewards (22%), pocket money (15%), and storytelling with character voices (28%).
The survey, commissioned by Birds Eye, spoke to 1000 parents and revealed strategies they use at home to make reading and spelling an enjoyable part of their children’s day, which included spelling games (28%), pointing out new words in books (36%), as well as using letter-shaped foods at mealtimes (13%).
It showed that almost all parents (96%) find mealtimes the best time to spend quality time together and are vital for child development.
Because of this, parents use mealtimes to include fun, educational activities like making dinner together (81%), plating food in a creative way with animal figures (39%), and cutting food into letters (60%).
Primary school teacher and children’s author Kit Brown is working with Birds Eye to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Alphabites by launching the Alphabites challenge.
The competition is calling for parents and their children to submit their best ‘words on a plate’ and why it is important to them to win £1000 worth of book vouchers. Runners-up will also each receive a £50 book voucher.
“I think it is essential to practice the importance of reading and spelling, and this competition allows children to make it fun and interactive,” Brown said.
“I’m thrilled to be judging the competition and can’t wait to see the creations! Intrigued to know what words the entrants come up with.”
“Our goal is to inspire fun with letters and words. Alphabites are the perfect way to combine family mealtimes with education, bringing enjoyment and interactivity to the dinner table,” Birds Eye spokesperson, Mike Sowerby, said.
“We’re excited to see what creative entries are submitted and learn about the inspiration behind each masterpiece.”
