1. Klabb ongi ongi ongella A familiy literacy Project in pre-school Education Mariangela Schembri Meli Hilti Programme Co-ordinator QualiFLY g2 project Meeting ROME 13 – 15 November 2006

2. To strengthen family literacy provision as a value-added initiative that enhances home- school links, parental lifelong learning and children’s basic skills development To assist in a teaching-learning paradigm shift by demonstrating ‘alternative’ methodologies and strategies that actively involve the participation of parents To boost family literacy as a key element in early childhood education so as to become an integral part of day-school provision To lay elements of the groundwork for school as community learning centres. Ethos and Justification

3. Day-school programmes - 1 Research-based justification: Children do better in school when parents regularly support, monitor and advocate for their education. (Padak and Rasinski, Kent State University and Hannon, University of Sheffield) The REAL project (University of Sheffield) – family literacy with families of preschool children (particularly those likely to have difficulties in the early years of school). High quality results and parental satisfaction.

4. Day-school programmes - 2 To date family literacy during the day-school within the Kindergarten Section have been implemented in: Cottonera College –Vittoriosa, Senglea, Cospicua, Kalkara (scholastic year 05-06) St. Benedict’s College –Gudja, B’Bugia A, Safi, (scholastic year 05-06) Gozo College –Sannat (scholastic year 05-06) Zejtun Primary (scholastic year 06-07) Xghajra Primary (scholastic year 06-07) Zebbug Primary (scholastic year 06-07) These projects are carried out together with kindergarten teaching staff

5. Klabb Ongi Ongella Parameters focus on pre-primary (kindergarten sector) develops pre-literacy, pre-numeracy, manipulation, social interaction, personal care skills one hour weekly session, a programme per school term (between 6 to 8 weeks long) parents involved within the classroom setting & follow-up at home

6. Empowering parents as: - co-educators Core Aims of Klabb Ongi Ongella

7. - to help their children develop literacy skills in a holistic, play-to- learn context

8. - to become lifelong learners

9. - parents leaders

10. - to become integrated in their community and society

11. THANK YOU