FAMILIES are being encouraged to visit Middlesbrough’s best known landmarks as part of a quiz which aims to improve children’s literacy.
The Middlesbrough Reading Campaign has teamed up with the Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art (mima) and Middlesbrough Libraries to launch a fun literacy activity for families called the Middlesbrough walk and talk trail quiz which celebrates the town’s rich heritage by quizzing families during a day out in the town.
The quiz sheet features questions on some of Middlesbrough’s historical and modern landmarks including the statues of industrial visionaries, Henry Bolckow and John Vaughan, the iconic Bottle of Notes sculpture and magnificent Middlesbrough Town Hall which are intended to spark conversation whilst families are walking around the town centre together.
The activity also includes Middlesbrough’s fantastic Central Library to encourage families to join. Families who hand in their completed quizzes to Central Library or their local library have the chance of winning a stack of books from Walker Books.
The Middlesbrough talk and walk trail quiz sheets are available in mima and Middlesbrough Central Library. A pdf version can also be downloaded to print here: http://www.turningpages.co.uk/sites/default/files/151014_MiddWalkTalk_FINAL_WEB_0.pdf
Middlesbrough National Literacy Trust Hub Manager Allison Potter said: “We are delighted to be partnering with mima and Middlesbrough Libraries on this fun activity which celebrates Middlesbrough’s fascinating heritage and modern landmarks whilst supporting children’s speaking, listening, reading and writing skills.
“Museums and libraries are a vital part of children’s education and we hope that the quiz will encourage more families to visit mima and join their local library.
“The questions provide inspiration for conversations and tips for talking together on family days out which will help develop children’s communication skills. We hope families will enjoy re-discovering their town in this fun new way.”
mima Events Officer Jessica Murphy said: “We’re delighted to be working with the Middlesbrough Reading Campaign to launch the Middlesbrough walk and talk trail quiz.
“It’s a fantastic, accessible activity for families which blends everything our partnership encompasses – family learning, sharing stories and celebrating this great town.”
The National Literacy Trust Hub in Middlesbrough works in partnership with Middlesbrough Council and other local and national partners including Middlesbrough Football Foundation, Erimus Housing, James Cook University Hospital, Bliss and mima to extend the reach of literacy support and raise awareness of the importance of literacy skills in the district through the Middlesbrough Reading Campaign. More information can be found at www.turningpages.co.uk.