Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SANDY — The Canyons School District is hoping to help parents of preschoolers help their children succeed. It's all part of a new program called More for 4.
You may have heard those ads where a dad is talking to his child about cheese in the grocery store, or about the color of cars in the freeway. That's exactly what Canyons District early childhood administrator Terri Mitchell wants parents to do.
"If we can help build that vocabulary in young children, they will be better readers in the long run," she said.
- Midvalley Elementary
217 E. 7800 South, Midvale
Sept. 13-14, 6:30 to 8 p.m. - Copperview Elementary
8449 S. 150 West, Midvale
Sept. 17, 10 to 11:30 a.m. - Bell View Elementary
9800 S. 800 East, Sandy
Sept. 20-21, 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Canyons is starting More for 4 workshops, or academies. Sheri Ebert, Canyons' evidence-based learning specialist, says the new program should prepare children for success in kindergarten and beyond.
"The academy will help parents know how to help their children at home; how to help their children with language and math skills, with social and emotional skills and self-help skills to help them be successful once they do come in to kindergarten," Ebert said.
Mitchell and Ebert stress this isn't a gatekeeper or test for kindergarten, it's just a way to help parents know how to help their preschoolers and, with the same strategies, even other kids of all ages in the family.
"It's not meant to be an extra thing to do, it's something you can do in your daily routine, unique to your family, and help parents be aware of learning opportunities that they can take advantage of," Mitchell said.
More for 4 academies are being offered at various locations and times throughout the district. CLICK HERE for more information.
Email: mrichards@ksl.com
