Time to play

PlayTalkRead is calling for all the region's parents and carers of pre-school children to "play, share and win" throughout the month as part of its #30daysofplay campaign. They have drawn up a list of 30 fun activities, from feeding the birds, having a sing song and popping bubbles, to hide and seek, dressing up and doing the hokey cokey. Minister for Childcare and Early Years Mark McDonald said: "Playing, talking and reading with your child is important - it helps give them the best start in life and makes your time together more enjoyable. That's why we're asking parents and carers across Scotland to take part in our #30daysofplay campaign and share the simple things that they do together with their little one that helps bring them closer. "The things you do together don't need to involve lots of toys or expensive equipment. It's just about doing things together and the activities on the #30daysofplay list can easily fit into your daily routine. So why not get involved throughout November and see how easy it is to play, talk and read with your child every day?" And mums and dads are being encouraged to take a photo of them doing one or more things from the list and share it on social media to be in with the chance of winning a family photoshoot worth up to £1000. Visit www.playtalkread.scot/30daysofplay for details of the competition and to view the full #30daysofplay ideas list. There's also a PlayTalkRead Facebook page and they are on Twitter. #30daysofplay list: 1. Feed the birds 2. Play-peek-a-boo 3. Play in the park 4. Sing The Wheels on the Bus 5. Smile for a selfie 6. Do the actions to Incy Wincy Spider 7. Spot a plane in the sky 8. Have a sing song 9. Pop bubbles 10. Have a laugh in the bath 11. Jump in a puddle 12. Make a hand print with paint 13. Make a splash in the washing up bowl 14. Create a picture out of pasta shapes 15. Go for a treasure hunt outdoors 16. Play hide and seek 17. Pull silly faces in the mirror after brushing your teeth 18. Build a den from blankets and cushions 19. Get squishy with play dough 20. Help in the kitchen 21. Play dress up 22. See how fast you can put your toys away 23. Make a music shaker from rice in a tub 24. Help water the plants 25. Visit your local library and enjoy free stories, songs and rhymes at Bookbug 26. Help put the shopping away 27. Draw a picture of your favourite animal 28. Do the hokey cokey 29. Spot and chase your own shadow 30. Build a tower out of empty boxes and packaging