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April 4, 2007
For immediate release

Schools, Kindergartens and Parents Working Together to Improve Family Literacy

Education

Education Minister Mildred Dover advised today that five new projects are underway across the Island to improve family literacy.

The projects are supported by new grants of up to $3,000 provided by the Department of Education.

“The way that literacy is valued and practised in the home has a powerful influence on a child’s ability to learn in school,” said Minister Dover. “It makes good sense for kindergartens and schools to be working with families and community groups to support the development of strong literacy skills in the early years.”

To receive funding, schools and kindergartens were required to work together with community or parent groups.

The first grant was awarded to École La-Belle-Cloche in Souris where the group is developing a website that will provide Anglophone parents and grandparents with information to help students with homework.

Three more groups are introducing the Spring Into Reading program at Prince Street Elementary School, the Morell Learning Centre, and Parkside Elementary School. Through this program, students, parents and volunteers attend evening sessions where coaches work with students and parents. Once the parent develops skills to help the child, the child can get more help and practice at home.

The fifth project is a Family Math project being offered at Gulf Shore Consolidated Kindergarten. Parents and children attend evening sessions where they learn concepts, games and activities that improve early numeracy skills and help parents and children develop an appreciation for mathematics.

Minister Dover said the new grants respond to a recommendation made by the Task Force on Student Achievement to test and fund best practices that assist parents to help their children learn. Funding for the projects will be doubled in the coming year.

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Media Contact: Jean Doherty
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