A Community Conversation about Family Learning Norwich Monday, April 2, 2012

Purpose of Tonight’s Community Conversation Tonight we will discuss the important role of families in making the home a learning place where everyone builds skills needed for success in school and life.

We want to discuss literacy and family learning because - The home is the center of learning Parents are a child’s first teachers Strengthening family literacy and improving basic skills helps families succeed Strong families make a strong community

Important Ideas Skills for learning include reading, writing, talking, listening, understanding signs and numbers Using new technology means learning new skills Family learning happens in everyday activities The community has a stake in family literacy

How do we get there? There are several different ways to look at family learning: Some programs focus on teaching and school materials Other programs build on the family culture and community

Family learning: Makes families stronger Allows parents and children to share quality time together IS FUN! Leads to success in school and in life

Our community has a stake in family literacy Family learning is everybody’s business The whole community gains when families are learning together

We want to know your thoughts and ideas about: How best to help parents What places are inviting to parents What kinds of people families go to Which organizations parents will use most What you and other individuals can do

What is the best way to promote family learning in Norwich? Tonight’s Question

Three choices to help guide our discussion A.Promote awareness and support for family learning as a high-priority community value B.Provide support for families who face the most challenges C.Encourage families to choose and use existing services

Family Literacy is Everybody’s Business Family literacy is supported by community life. Therefore, family literacy is everyone’s responsibility. A

A. Promote Awareness and Support for Family Learning as a High-Priority Community Value People who like this choice might say that Norwich should offer: Easy access to a variety of good things to read and pleasant places to spend time reading Literacy programs should build on family cultural traditions and strengths “Two-generation” programs help children and adults Elected officials and other public figures should be strong advocates for family learning A

B We should focus our resources on high priority needs such as families with young children and parents who need help with their own skills Family learning is a priority for those who need the most help

B. Provide support for those families who face the most challenges Sometimes families need help to improve the learning environment at home Offer specific services for these families Expand and enhance proven programs Use media to publicize issues and services The community should work to ensure that services are available to meet the needs B

Existing services already help families Each family knows best what it needs. It is each family’s responsibility to choose and use the services that are right for them. C

C. Encourage Families to Fully Use Existing Resources and Services Many services to help families in our community already exist Adults understand their own needs and know what is best for their children Parents can and should take responsibility for their family’s well-being C

Individuals and Families might: Spend time with children in activities at home and in the community Participate in cultural activities like library programs, community concerts and school events Organize volunteers to share talents or provide tutoring for children who need extra help Monitor their child’s progress at school and communicate regularly with teachers to find out how to help their child at home Become informed about resources in the community and use them C

A – B – C: Making choices…. A.Promote awareness and support for family learning as a community value B.Provide support for families who face the most challenges C.Encourage families to choose and use existing services.

What results do we want from tonight’s Conversation? Become aware of your views and priorities on supporting family learning Find opportunities for us to work together to support family learning in our community

Finally, Our Thanks to… Norwich Youth & Family Services Norwich Adult Education Norwich Public Schools Children First Norwich/School Readiness Council William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund Community Mediation All of you for coming tonight!