Sunday July 5, 2009
Little bug that could
THE tiny, jewel-like ladybird, with black dots on its bright red back, is instantly recognisable to kids and adults alike – even to those living in countries where the insect isn’t found – because it has unwittingly become a symbol for the fun and magical world of words.
The Ladybird Key Words series has introduced generations of kids to Peter and Jane (and their dog, Spot!) while gently teaching them about words, sentences, and stories.
The new look of the Key Words series. When there was an exhibition in Britain recently of the original Peter and Jane (and other) illustrations from the Key Words series, it proved incredibly popular. As Jo Digger, curator of Britian’s New Art Gallery, explains, “These images are deeply embedded in many people’s childhood memories.”
From the time the first book in the series was published 45 years ago, a whopping 90 million kids have learnt to read from Key Words books.
Why are they so consistently popular? Experts would put it down to the ingenious but simple formula they are based on.
William Murray created the Key Words Reading Scheme after discovering that 12 words make up 25% of everything we read and write: a, and, he, I, in, is, it, of, that, the, to, and was.
The premise is that if children are taught to recognise these key words first, learning to read becomes easier.
Murray came out with a series of beautifully illustrated books meant to teach kids to read from as early as possible after they’re born up to the age of eight. And read we did, the world over!
The range has since extended to include Read With Me, Ladybird Phonics, Ladybird Read It Yourself, and Read with Ladybird.
The 36 titles of the original Key Words Reading Scheme have been given a facelift in conjunction with this 45th anniversary.
There are also free resources like posters and games to be downloaded at www.ladybird.com.
In Malaysia, Borders is launching Ladybird Corners in at their stores and organising promotions and activities this month, including story-telling and activity time at Borders Berjaya Times Square, KL, on July 12, 3pm.
Kiddies can also get the Ladybird Reward Card that they can get stamped every time they buy RM20 worth of Ladybird products. Get all five stamps, and they will receive one Ladybird mini hardback book.
Collect 10 stamps, and they’ll get one Ladybird cushion (this promotion runs until Aug 31 at all Borders stores). – ELAINE DONG
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