LIFE successfully concludes Partners in Print literacy workshops at Cayman primary schools

In honour of Child Month (May), local charitable organization LIFE (Literacy Is For Everyone) ran three one-off Partners in Print (PIP) workshops at Sir John A. Cumber, George Town and Prospect Primary Schools. PIP is a parent-involvement programme in which parents, teachers, and children work together to build key skills and strategies aimed at improving the literacy of Key Stage 1 students (4-7 years old).

These workshops are aimed at encouraging parental involvement in the development of their child’s literacy at a critical stage in their development. George Town Primary Literacy Coach, Sarah Douglas, pointed to the programme’s significance in giving educators a chance to “explain and model specific strategies to support literacy development” whilst also giving parents a supportive environment in which to practice these strategies.

“It’s a worthwhile programme,” said Ms. Faedrene McLaughlin, a teacher at Sir John A. Cumber Primary who assisted with the workshops. “It is very informative and helps parents to understand and appreciate the value of reading. It also helps to demonstrate the value of working with their children in building literacy.”

After speaking with parents who attended the sessions, many seemed to agree. “It brings a good focus to reading and makes it more exciting for the kids,” remarked Ryan, one satisfied father at the end of a session.

“We have received a lot of positive feedback about the programme,” said Su Mander, Executive Manager of LIFE, “and we hope that the fun and engaging workshops have encouraged parents to give their children more focused reading and learning support at home.”

Altogether, more than 75 parents and a few grandparents attended the three workshops. In this school year (2013-2014), LIFE has hosted multiple PIP workshops in nine of the 10 government primary schools on Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac. In addition to providing snacks and refreshments for the participants, LIFE also gave each child a new book to take home at the end of the night. “We are very grateful to the Ministry’s literacy specialists, the school principals, teachers and teaching assistants who have helped to facilitate these workshops”, said Ms. Mander.

“The PIP programme was very good and very informative for both the parents and the students. Seeing the smiling faces on those little kids while pleasing both their parents and their teachers was fantastic!” noted LIFE Chairman, Woody Foster upon conclusion of the programme. “Hearing the parents at the end of the event saying that they enjoyed the programme and took home some good tips was the icing on the cake.”