Let’s Play Together / Toqi milita’nej, a Guide for Parents of 4-Year-Olds was launched at the Mi’kmaq Child Development Centre in Halifax today, Sept. 29.
The launch featured a reading circle for four-year-olds in the Aboriginal Head Start program with Mi’Kmaw linguist and author Bernie Francis.
The guide was designed to help Mi’Kmaq families support early learning through play and contains low- to no-cost activities for parents and caregivers.
“As part of government’s overall commitment to treaty education, and a next step in Nova Scotia’s Action Plan for Education, we are pleased to provide this additional resource,” said Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Karen Casey. “All parents want to help their children grow and develop and this guide offers a lot of fun suggestions that families can do together.”
Culturally relevant book suggestions are linked with development areas for preschool children and the activities are consistent with Early Development Instrument indicators for children’s developmental health and school readiness.
“This guide is a welcome addition to our active and ongoing literacy outreach programs with parents of preschool children,” says Donna Frizzell, director of the Mi’kmaq Child Development Centre.
The Mi’kmaq Family Resource Centre is situated with the child development centre and will be a strong partner in reaching parents and caregivers.
The guide is in addition to the English and French versions of Let’s Play Together released last year. Copies are available for distribution through the Mi’kmaq communities and are available online at www.ednet.ns.ca/earlyyears/.