It’s only in its first year, but already The Power of Four program, run by Drumheller Family Literacy, is being held up as model for a nation-wide program.
The program was evaluated two weeks ago by Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) Canada. HIPPY Canada started a federally funded pilot program last year and Drumheller was one of 20 communities that participated.
“It was a very successful year. We were just evaluated on our program because of how well it went this year,” said Louise Henrickson, program coordinator. “This is what they want to use as a model for other programs and find out why we were successful.”
The Power of Four program focuses on teaching preschool children the fundamentals of literacy by age four, before they head off to kindergarten. Through classes with parents, books, and activity guides, the program teaches parents how to interact with their children to help foster literacy and other fundamental skills.
“It’s getting parents involved in their child’s education. Parents don’t realize how strong they are as first educators. Children need the parent’s support,” said Henrickson.
Ideally, children need to hear 1000 books before kindergarten and have six to eight rhymes or songs memorized.
During the course of the program, parents attend eight sessions, receive six books, discuss the material, and go home with activities they can do with their children.
Angeline Seeley, a parent of two children aged three and five (two and four at the time of the program) felt the program was worthwhile.
“My four year old son, who just turned five, he was starting to read words like ‘cat’ or ‘dog’ after the program. We would be driving and he would notice the sign for Delia and could sound out the words. He’s been exposed to consistent reading and interaction. “It was beneficial to have both (kids) in the program, because my three year old can speak in complete sentences. He has an incredible vocabulary,” said Seeley.
It wasn’t just her children who did the learning.
“You take on an awareness that the learning process isn’t just about the kids. It’s about the parents learning how to teach their child. Every time you interact with your child, they learn something from you,” said Seeley.
The program is not just about learning. During the program sessions, parents meet each other, interact, swap advice, and build a support network.
“There’s benefits from even just the parents interacting. We talk and the other parents might bring up things or advice you might not have thought of. They’re going through the same things you’re going through,” said Seeley.
For now, Drumheller Family Literacy is working on funding to continue The Power of Four program next year. Through grants and donations, it is hoped things will continue to grow. The next sessions are set to begin in September.
Anyone interested in joining is encouraged to contact Henrickson at 403-823-7969.
“If you have the opportunity to do this program, don’t hesitate for a minute,” said Seeley. “You’re going through the material together, so you’re developing a bond and relationship. It’s not just bonding with literacy, you’re bonding with each other and creating strong roots as a family.”
