News

2002 - 2003

Dublin

NALA -
Jenny Derbyshire is the new policy worker for family learning. She will be researching and writing guidelines on family learning in conjunction with an advisory group made up of members of the NALA executive and others involved or interested in this area of work. At present she is investigating current ideas and practice in various countries and contexts as well as exploring what is already happening in Ireland.
e-mail valleylodge4@eircom.net, 086-8104452

Galway

On Monday 16th June 2003 Maire Eilis Ni Fhlatharta ('Caitriona from TG4's Ros na Run) launched the Irish version of The Clare Family Learning Resource Pack in Spiddal, Co. Galway. The pack was adapted to Irish by Breacadh and the parent booklets are available in the 3 main dialects (see Training for details)

Clare

To help deliver a greater number and variety of courses the project co-ordinator has been joined by two partime resource tutors.
Courses

The project is continually trying proactive strategies for improving literacy and numeracy skills with a 2-for-1 model that reaches both parents and children. In partnership with schools, healthboards and other service providers, the project has delivered over 20 courses this year.
Those include:

• Help your child learn - 'Clare model' for parents of 0 - 6 year olds, focusing on the foundation practices for literacy and numeracy.
• Practical family learning - Parents + their primary aged children working together on a specific learng skill through an art and craft activitiy which is appropriate for replication in the home.
• Helping with children's maths - Parents and homework helpers adopting a hands on approach 'taking the myth out of maths' at the primary level.
• Step Up - Supporting parents of primary aged children in the areas of homework, reading, writing and maths development and behaviour.
• International rhymes and songs - parents and toddlers sharing songs from their homelands, recorded onto a video
• Dads and Lads - fathers and sons from 3rd and 4th classes working together on communication skills using computers.
  
• Play and Learning - parents and toddlers exploring practical activities through play.