T. V. N. E. L. P.

The "Thames Valley Neighbourhood Early Learning Program" (TVNELP) was developed to facilitate the transition to junior kindergarten for 3 year olds and their parents.  This project is specifically aimed at connecting preschool children and their families with community partners.  It allows parents the opportunity to meet and connect with the community agencies prior to enrollment in junior kindergarten as a pro-active measure to increase development of literacy, numeracy, health, and social skills.  It also provides parents and children a positive connection with the educational system. 

T. V. N. E. L. P.  involves four separate sessions in which the preschooler and parent or caregiver attend and take part in activities. The four sessions include an orientation/healthy active living/music day, literacy/numeracy/art days and a classroom visit for the children.  The dates for these four sessions at Mosa are:  

                                                                     Thursday, February 5 - 5:30 - 6:45 p.m.
                                                                     Thursday, April 2 - 5:30 - 6:45 p.m.
                                                                     Thursday, May 7 - 5:30 - 6:45 p.m.
                                                                     Thursday, June 4 - 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

** Students need to be 4 years of age by December 31, 2009
If you have a child you plan to register at Mosa for September 2009- PLEASE plan on attending these sessions.

What is literacy?

Literacy means being able to read and write. 

Why is reading important?

A child's reading skills are important to their success in school and work. In addition, reading can be a fun and imaginative activity for children, which opens doors to all kinds of new worlds for them.  Reading and writing are important ways we use language to communicate.

How can we make reading part of our family’s lifestyle?

Parents play a critical role in helping their children develop not only the ability to read, but also an enjoyment of reading.

• Turn off the tube.  Start by limiting your family’s television viewing time. 

• Teach by example.  If you have books, newspapers and magazines around your house, and your child sees you reading, then your child will learn that you value reading.  You can’t over-estimate the value of modeling. 

• Read together.  Reading with your child is a great activity.  It not only teaches your child that reading is important to you, but it also offers a chance to talk about the book, and often other issues will come up.  Books can really open the lines of communication between parent and child. 

• Hit the library.  Try finding library books about current issues or interests in your family’s or child’s life, and then reading them together.  For example, read a book about going to the dentist prior to your child’s next dental exam, or get some books about seashore life after a trip to the coast.  If your child is obsessed with dragons, ask your librarian to recommend a good dragon novel for your child.

There are many ways to include reading in your child's life, starting in babyhood, and continuing through the teen years.  Focus on literacy activities that your child enjoys, so that reading is a treat, not a chore.