& fe 8 Interested parents a must, If edu § i H 5 cation system is to work, id Mrs. Shirley Brown discusses project with Prince Albert principal Ha Kiezebrink. ry PORT PORT PERRY, ONTARIO -- FEBRUARY 18, 1976 -- PAGE 17 PERRY SECOND hed. SECTION Education: A family affair Parent participation is one of the major concerns of today's educators, but if the Prince Albert model is any indication, there need by no concern. Over 50 parents of young- sters at Prince Albert Public School took part last week in a Reading and Language Arts Workshop program for parents on Thursday night and Saturday morning. "We are quite pleased with the response we've received "here," said Doug Miller, teacher at the schoo! and driving force behind the event. "It is better than we'd expected." The workshop provides a multiple purpose. As well as fringe benefits such as Lorraine Andrews and Mrs. S parents' familiarization with the school situation, parent- teacher communication and a host of other things, the program provides the par- ents with ideas and suggest- ions that will help them in assisting their children with reading and language art skills. It provides parents with current ideas and phi- losophies regarding such skills, and stresses the importance of home support in developing a child's emotional and academic growth. With the help of films, discussions and workshops, parents learn such things as the value of play, teaching at home, teaching devices made at home, and the A I, # - b, andra Greenwood examine "games" material. availability of school resources for the home. "We do not expect the parent to become a substi- tute for the teacher," said Mr. Miller, "rather a back- up for the teacher." Mr. Miller explained that the parent has a vital role in the educational process...a role he can effectively en- large and improve. Not only is the parents' role vital for the teacher and the educational system, he'll point out, but also to the child. A parent's interest in the education of a son or daughter reflects in the interest of the child. Child- ren are encouraged by the interest and participation of (continued on page 22) Prt <o ~r Education, for Mr. and Mrs. Vern Fox, is too important to be treated lightly. That's why both decided to attend. Only one other father attended the workshop at the school on Thursday. dnd EELS SHER