Nursery rhymes facing extinction

London, Oct 8 (ANI): Traditional nursery rhymes may soon die out because today's parents feel these verses are too old-fashioned, a new survey has revealed.

The popularity of evergreen favourites like Mary, Mary Quite Contrary, Hey Diddle Diddle and Little Miss Muffet has now plummeted, reveals the survey by charity Booktrust.

The study also found that only 36 percent parents regularly read out rhymes to their tots, while one fifth have completely given them up.

However, Professor Roger Beard of the Institute of Education believes these rhymes are still important for children's learning.

The Daily Express quoted him as saying: "If children develop a love for the playfulness of language it can really help them with reading when they go to school.

"Twinkle Twinkle Little Star (our favourite old rhyme) allows children and grown-ups to share in a wonderment about the night sky." (ANI)