A workshop was organized by the Department of Education, CTA from 2nd June to 9th June, 2017 to educate parents about the significance of reading books in the life of small children. Approximately, 200 parents participated in the workshop. They had come from three locations in the North East settlements namely, Choephelling (Maio), Dhargyeling (Tezu) and Tenzingang. The main aim of parents’ workshop is to increase parents’ awareness about the need to tell stories to their children every day and to guide them to select and buy good books for them. The parents were educated to create the environment of free reading at home and to develop a habit of independent reading in their children. The participant parents learned how to select good stories for small children and the art of story-telling. Additionally, parents were encouraged to read aloud books to their children regularly and sing short poems with them.
The main topics covered during the workshop were:
A) why most children dislike reading?
B) Benefits of independent and silent reading
C) Significance of storytelling by parents
D) Reading the information on the packets and wrappers of various products
E) Significance of singing poems and songs to develop reading skills
F) Introduction of Tibetan Graded Reading Series titled Sontsa
The parents participated very actively and enthusiastically. They asked pertinent questions about specific issues related to reading for small children. An already prepared brochure, on all the above issues, was distributed to the parents so that they can read in detail at home. The parents made a resolution to become a role model to their children by reading regularly. A large number of parents gave a feedback that this type of workshop should be conducted regularly and a couple of times in a year.
The resource persons for the workshop were: Mrs. Tenzin Legzey, Education officer for Humanities and Miss. Sonam Gangsang, EGR Mentor. This is being funded by the USAID THROUGH THE TIBET FUND.
– Report filed by Department of Education –