Authors, TV personalities and politicians have come together to inspire young people with the wonderful world of words.
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Related news: Councils tackle young children's development gaps
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Feature: Giving children a better start in life
The campaign, launched by Oxford University Press (OUP), will celebrate how language can create opportunities for young people.
Ninety-two per cent of teachers surveyed by the OUP said that the “word gap”, where a child’s vocabulary is below expectation for their age, has widened due to lockdown school closures.
After a difficult year, the famous figures are sharing the books, phrases and quotes they would give as a gift to anyone who might need it this Christmas.
Lauren Child, former Waterstone’s children’s laureate and author of the popular Charlie and Lola children’s books, contributed a quote from poet Mary Oliver: “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”
Robert Halfon MP, chair of the education select committee, suggested JRR Tolkein’s The Hobbit or CS Lewis’ The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe should be added to the UK’s bookshelves.
He said these are “tales of heroism, leadership, fighting against the odds, evil villains, and of course, featuring three breakfasts and Turkish delight”.
Speaking about the campaign, Nigel Portwood, chief executive of Oxford University Press, said: “It’s more important than ever that we encourage everyone - particularly children who have their whole futures ahead of them - to access, use, and appreciate words and language.”
He added: “That’s why we believe that the best gift we can give right now, is the gift of words.”
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Find out more about CYP Now’s #Chances4Children campaign
