New Guide Helps Parents Support Children Through Play
As part of the Action Plan for Education, the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development is releasing a guide to help parents of four-year-olds play their way to a positive start in school.
Let's Play Together: A Guide for Parents of 4-Year Olds is designed to help families support children's early development through play. It is available in French and English and contains tips for easy low- to no-cost activities that families can do together. The guide also includes books that match each area of development.
"We recognize the importance of having a strong foundation in the early years. We also know that encouraging children to play is not just about fun - it is how children develop and learn about the world around them," said Karen Casey, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development. "Government needs to continue to respond to the changing needs of families, and this is one way we can help support families before children come to school."
The activities are consistent with Early Development Instrument indicators for children's developmental health and school readiness. Every two years, Grade Primary teachers assess how students fare in physical health and well-being, emotional development, communications skills and general knowledge, social development and language and thinking skills.
"This guide is one way that parents can help their children grow and develop in fun ways that do not put pressure on the family," said Ms. Casey.
The guide will be distributed to families as part of Grade Primary registration. Copies will also be available in child care centres, early intervention programs, family resource programs, SchoolsPlus and Early Years Centre sites and online at http://www.novascotia.ca/education . Books in the guide will be available at public libraries.
The 3Rs: Renew, Refocus and Rebuild, Nova Scotia's Action Plan for Education, contains a number of actions to support preschool children and their families. Learn more about the action plan at https://www.ednet.ns.ca/educationreview/ .