|
|
|
 |
|
Mother Goose program fosters important relationships for life
Friday January 10, 2003 Roderick Benns
Around the storytelling circle, the experiences of the parents are varied
but the needs are the same. Two young mothers under 20 are chatting with
an older, first-time mother in her 40s. Another two mothers - one from
Albania and the other from Columbia - have only recently arrived in Canada
with English as their second language. The woman with the Columbian background
is teaching the circle a poem in Spanish. And as the women struggle happily
with the task, all realize how difficult English must be for the woman
to learn.
The Parent-Child Mother Goose Program is a great equalizer, says Kate
Jarrett of Peterborough. The anecdote she shares above was just one example
of how she has seen this oral-based program work effectively in bridging
differences and cultivating meaningful relationships. Designed to foster
strong ties between parents and their children, the program also has the
effect of developing strong relationships between adults faced with similar
challenges, according to Jarrett.
The program is a group experience for parents and caregivers with babies
and young children, focusing on the pleasure and power of using oral rhymes,
songs and stories together.
The goals of the program include strengthening the parent-child bond and
building a supportive group where isolated parents can feel increasingly
comfortable.
One of the most significant goals is helping families
who might not naturally provide their babies and young children with consistent
and enjoyable storytelling experiences. This experience provides the children
with an essential foundation for print literacy to come later and also
serves to get adults involved in literacy activities in a non-threatening
and enjoyable way.
Jarrett along with Kathy Woodcock, an associate of the Toronto program,
brought the experience to Peterborough in 1998.
Woodcock is no longer involved with the group, but Jarrett and three other
leaders - Ruth Strunz, Nauni Parkinson and Theresa McKay - are a part
of its building presence in the community, with 20 10-week programs now
completed.
The program's origins were in Toronto in 1986 in a church basement, taught
by two teachers who helped parents from low-income neighbourhoods to use
rhymes and stories for their children.
Its emphasis on strong relationships between parents and their children
was one of the reasons, philosophically, the Peterborough chapter chose
to ally itself with the Peaceful Communities forum in Peterborough in
2002.
"There is a real link between the aims of the program and the very
philosophy inherent in a peaceful community. "That has to start with
good relationships, first and foremost," says Jarrett of the prerequisites
for community peace.
"We start with the relationship between parent and child, which always
has to come first. And we do so at an early age," she adds.
There are two programs, one designed for zero to 24 months and a second
program for those two to four.
Activity focuses on interactive rhymes, stories, and songs, all presented
orally. Printed versions of the rhymes and songs are supplied only at
the end of a series of meetings when the participants have had time to
internalize at least some of the material and use it in their everyday
lives. No toys or objects are used.
Storytelling is an integral part of the program with the stories being
chosen and told for the enjoyment of the adults. The pace is slow and
relaxed with plenty of time for repetition of material and casual discussion
of issues and questions that arise. The atmosphere is accepting and supportive,
with the intention of building the confidence and comfort level of all
participants and creating a feeling of community and mutual support within
the group.
Jarrett says that program teachers are trained in the principles and methods
needed to run the program effectively, either through training workshops
or by working with a trained teacher, or both.
Each program has two teachers who share all teaching duties and take time
together after each session to review and make notes on the session.
"You can take a lot for granted," says Jarrett of those who
might think storytelling is self-evident among parents and children.
"It is ages old and a part of any child's culture, but other things,
other influences, are diminishing that. This program builds on something
important we all need to be aware of."
To take part in a Parent-Child Mother Goose program, or to become a leader,
call Kate Jarrett at (705) 876-1082.
|
|
|
|
Click
here to respond to this article.
|
