The National Literacy Trust must be overwhelmed by the level of support it is gathering for its project in London to help children 3-5 years struggling with learning development to read and write.

The scheme was launched by Boris Johnson and Peter Andre and featured the Duchess of Cornwall in a primary school in Chiswick earlier this week.

The Evening Standard is running a campaign to help recruit the 500 volunteers needed as reading ambassadors and literacy champions for the 2,000 London families targeted. By yesterday, almost 3,400 people had signed up and a significant amount of money raised to help fund it.

Encouraging parents to read at home with their children, starting when they are very young, can introduce a whole new world of adventures and a lifelong love of books. Sharing a quiet part of the day together reading a favourite story brings you close, in your own little world.

One of the earliest ways to learn language is through song with your child mimicking your words and pattern of language.

Giving children the opportunity to make music as babies and toddlers helps develop their letters and sounds and language development needed for reading .Word patterns and the rhythm of language are developed through learning songs and rhymes and playing rhythm games by clapping, stamping, moving to music and song  and using musical instruments. Stories are brought to life on storyboards, with children exciting in role play as the main characters.

So, promote a good start for a child by sharing a book, making music and singing a song, the effects are far reaching!