The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
In February, The Child/Family Resource Center received funding from Literacy Partners of Manitoba to run a 10-week Mother Goose program and to develop Baby Book Bags to give out to families with new babies. In March, The NOR-MAN Parent Child Coalition sponsored a two day Mother Goose facilitator training. One staff and one parent attended the training and offered the first program in April. Twelve parents and 16 children ages 0-4 participated in the program this spring! Mother Goose promotes early language through a wonderful group experience for parents/caregivers and their babies and young children, focusing on the pleasure and power of using rhymes, songs and stories together. Sitting in a circle on the floor, the parents/caregivers learn rhymes and songs which lead naturally to holding, touching and bouncing their children. They also enjoy stories, usually folk tales that prompt discussion of important issues. Early in life, the brain is most receptive to certain kinds of learning. During this time, brain cells are "turned on" to make connections and form patterns for life-long learning. The optimum time to "set the stage" for early language begins around six months of age and continues through 3.5 years. Lots of exposure to language creates the foundation for learning during the school years. The Mother Goose program is an excellent program to kick start your baby's learning. Next Mother Goose will be offered October 21 to December 9 Ð Wednesday evenings from 6:30 p.m. Ð 7:30 p.m. For more information please call Wendy at 472-3671.
