Parents and kids encouraged to learn together
When it comes to learning with pre-schoolers and young school children EBS and NALA have identified a number of ideas. For example, children get better at using words when they have something to say to people they want to talk to. Some tips include:
- Play “I hear with my little ear something that goes ‘woof’ or ‘miaow’”
- Say an alphabet sound, ask the child to find something that starts with that sound – b for ball or balloon – s for sock – d for doll
- Make up rhymes or songs about everyday activities that your child is doing
- Ask your child a question that needs more than a yes/no answer
- Ask your child to teach you something that they’ve learned that day
Speaking today, Inez Bailey, Director of NALA said: “NALA frequently receives requests from parents looking for guidance in terms of helping their children, and in some cases themselves, in improving their literacy and numeracy. While family literacy programmes are being delivered in VECs and other community contexts, there is very little support for families wishing to address these issues themselves, independently in their own homes. Together with the EBS today we are encouraging parents to learn together with their children. In partnership with the EBS Building Society we have developed a guide for families to learn together called ‘At Home with Family Learning’. The guide highlights lots of tips and examples that will help with family learning and is available to download from www.nala.ie or to order from NALA.”
The guide also provides tips for family learning with babies. EBS and NALA are encouraging parents to constantly talk to their babies and keep them informed about what they are doing as babies learn to talk by hearing other people talking.Tips for learning with babies include:
- Have your baby nearby when you are talking to other adults so that they can listen
- Repeat the sounds your baby makes and turn them into a game
- Turn sounds into words. For example, say “bang bang” if they are banging
- Name sounds you hear. For example, if you both hear a car engine say “That’s a car”
- When they use a word, add another one. If they say “cat” say “nice cat”
Commenting today, Aidan Power, Head of Marketing at EBS, said: “EBS is committed to supporting families throughout Ireland. Through our long-term partnership with NALA we are very aware of the problems that literacy can present amongst families and children and were delighted to work with NALA to help develop a further tool to help address this issue that faces so many Irish adults and children. Research shows that children actively encouraged to read and learn at home develop better literacy skills and I would encourage all parents to avail of this book, take the tips on board and integrate them into your children’s every day routine.”
‘At home with Family Learning’ contains a series of practical activities that people of all ages can engage in, helping to build their literacy and numeracy skills. The booklet demonstrates how to practise reading, writing and maths skills with a child, in a fun and colourful way. It includes games and puzzles that have a wide appeal for all age groups. The booklet also contains information for adults wishing to join a literacy programme. It includes a handy section for parents with practical information on what to do if their child needs further support in developing their literacy and numeracy.
A copy of the book can be downloaded from www.ebs.ieor www.nala.ieand a hard copy can be ordered through the National Adult Literacy Agency on 01-8554332.The book is free of charge but postage must be paid by the recipient.
ENDS/
For further information please contact:
Suzanne Sullivan
Q4PR 01-4751444/086-3797291
Clare McNally
NALA 01-8509109/ 087-6486292
