Bookmates inspires families to grow together through the joy of learning together.
Bookmates is a Manitoba-based Canadian not-for-profit organization promoting Family Literacy and Learning established in 1984.
Bookmates is focused on the development, training and delivery of family learning programs to communities to enhance the learning of both children and adults. Bookmates offers a number of family literacy and learning programs which are ideal for use in schools, family resource centres and other organizations that care about families.
Why Family Literacy and Learning?
Family Learning is:
-Children and parents/caregivers learning together through everyday activities, or in parent-child programs.
- Families building on their culture and experience through language and activities.
-A community activity that helps families be the best they can be.
Quality Parent-Child programs are important:
“Evidence is clear that good early child development programs that involve parents (or primary caregivers) of young children can influence how they relate to and care for children in the home and can vastly improve outcomes for the children’s behaviour, learning, and health in later life.” (from the Early Years Study, Final Report Aprill 1999 co-chairs Hon. Margaret Norrie McCain and J. Fraser Mustard.)
Bookmates programs are developed in strong partnership with community members and organizations. The input of parents is critical to the process of creating quality family learning programs and is incorporated at each step along the way. Research shows that you learn best by doing. All of our programs and training opportunities are filled with fun, hands-on activities. We believe that parents are their child’s most important teachers and we give credit to all the great things that parents are already doing everyday with their children.
Bookmates Alphabet Soup Program was the 2006 recipient of the Dietitians of Canada Regional Award. This program was developed with the community in partnership with the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority through the support of The Winnipeg Foundation.
Bookmates was the proud recipient of The International Reading Association 2003 Celebrate Literacy Award.
Network 4 Change staff are trained to deliver;
- Parent-Child Mother Goose Program
- Bookmates Rock & Read
- Bookmates Alphabet Soup
- Bookmates Family Learning Olympics
The Parent-Child Mother Goose Program® is a group experience for parents and their babies and young children which focuses on the pleasure and power of using rhymes, songs, and stories together. Parents gain skills and confidence which can enable them to create positive family patterns during their children’s crucial early years, and give their children healthy early experiences with language and communication. The Program can be run in a variety of settings and can be offered either to a particular client group or to the public at large. While adaptations can be made to suit particular user groups and settings, the following elements are essential to a Parent-Child Mother Goose Program® and must be incorporated in order to use the trademarked name and be a part of the network of accredited Parent- Child Mother Goose Programs®. The P-CMGP is a group program in which parents/caregivers take part together with their infants or young children. Teaching is directed to the adults. The children participate as is appropriate to their stage of development and inclination. Activity focuses on interactive rhymes, stories, and songs, all presented orally and through the air. Printed versions of the rhymes and songs are supplied at the end of a series of meetings when the participants have had time to internalise 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. Stories which the parents can learn and tell to their children may also be included. 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 of all participants, and creating a feeling of community and mutual support within the group. Program teachers are trained in the principles, materials and methods needed to run the Program effectively. Each program has at least two teachers who share all teaching duties and take time together after each session to discuss their observations of the interactions within the group, to review and make notes on the session activities, and to plan the next session based on their observations and the perceived needs of participants. Groups are small enough to ensure that the needs of individuals as well as of the group as a whole can be met. In order for adults to relax and participate fully in the group, an assistant may be available to supervise walking children in the Infant program, and for childcare in a playroom during storytelling in the Two-to-Four Program. The Program is aimed at families in need of support for any of a variety of reasons. There is no cost to the parents who participate.
Description: Bookmates Alphabet Soup is a fun, family-friendly experience for parents (caregivers) and preschool children aged 2 to 5 years, presented over six weekly sessions. Together parents and children enjoy food-related songs, rhymes and books. Parents create books and games for their child while discussing ideas which encourage healthy eating habits for families. Children take part in fun food-themed games, play centres and art activities. A highlight of this program is the parent and child snack time where each week they share and explore a new food idea together.
Description: Bookmates Family Learning Olympics is an exciting community event that appeals to the whole family. Whether you are 2 or 92 there is something fun for you! The twelve Olympic themed stations are packed with enjoyable challenges. The activities are designed so parents can recreate them at home. People have fun! They see how easy it is to play with reading, writing and numeracy. This is a great way to engage your community as families, volunteers and staff come together for fun and learning!
Description: Bookmates Rock & Read introduces families to the amazing variety of books available for children today. Each week parents (caregivers) and children (babies to age 5) enjoy songs, rhymes, book sharing and stories together. Children have fun with play centres, and art activities related to the themes explored in books and rhymes. Parents explore ways to encourage a love of books and reading in their young children. Over the six weeks each parent creates a special board book for their child. This program also encourages families to explore all the resources available at their local library.