Families are invited to go bananas at Haverhill Market from Saturday 16 July, as Get Suffolk Reading launches its new activity cards for children to enjoy.
Banana Bingo is a scavenger hunt designed for the whole family to enjoy. The supplied card gives 12 different descriptions, with children asked to find an object around the market that fits: for example, a yelling market trader could be the thing that ‘makes a loud noise’ and a bicycle lock or a safe deposit box could be the thing that ‘can be locked’.
Trialled by families at the Haverhill Show, feedback from parents was positive, with many saying Banana Bingo made youngsters “use all their senses and be more aware of their surroundings”.
The cards were developed in response to a community idea by Get Suffolk Reading to build confidence, communication, and vocabulary in children of all ages.
A big thanks to the 150 children who trialled our Banana Bingo cards – it was a great success and so lovely to see families chatting about everything they could see, hear, smell and feel. Banana Bingo will now be run every Saturday at Haverhill Market, beginning on 16 July, where we know there is plenty to see and discover.
Suzanne Stevenson, Get Suffolk Reading Project Manager in Haverhill
Parents who took part in the trial said their children “loved it”, adding: “Families can go for a walk around, get some exercise, solve the clues and even win a prize. It’s a lot of fun and gets the kids off their consoles”.
We are delighted to support this initiative for families to enjoy, all with the aim of helping children and young people explore and further their vocabulary, building their confidence in their communication skills.
Cllr Robert Everitt, Cabinet Member for Families and Communities at West Suffolk Council