Time is running out for parents in the Hazeltons to take advantage of the new program called Parents As Literacy Supporters (PALS) being offered through two teachers at New Hazelton Elementary school.
The program is designed for parents and their children between the ages of 4 and 5, and aims to improve the children’s performance in both reading and writing at school.
Organizer Colleen Kern explained that they started the program to help students throughout the area and it’s a fun two hour program where parents get lots of free stuff and some tips on working with their children.
“It’s not two teachers preaching that this is what you should do,” Kern explained. “It’s parents or guardians working with their 4 or 5 year old child and receiving free material such as books and crafts and it is also a chance to connect with other adults. We want to give parents ideas of activities that they can do with their child to improve their chances when they get to school. It’s all about using fun ideas and I think parents know they should read to their children but they may not know all the other things they can do like looking at signs and how you can use everyday stuff you have without going out and buying things to do with your kids. Learning and teaching your child doesn’t have to involve spending money.”
Kern said they are hoping to improve on the program by getting out into more communities and finding ways to get more people involved.
“I wold love to jump on the LOGS bus and get out to other areas to reach people we aren’t reaching,” she said. “We tell people to bring friends and spread the word and ask how this program can work to better serve more people.”
The next meeting will be held on May 12 and then again on May 20 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the New Hazelton Meeting Room across from the New Hazelton Elementary school.
For more information people are asked to contact the school at 250-842-5777 and ask for Donna Bartsch or Kern.