Booking some time with dad

AUSTRALIA - Dads are making a difference to literacy outcomes at a New South Wales school by taking time out to read to their young children, the NSW Department for Education reports.

To encouraging fathers and other male role models to become actively involved in their child’s education is the aim of the Mudgee Dads Take Home reading project.

School principal and project manager, Alan Walker, said the four-year project, targeted kindergarten students in 2009, Year 1 students in 2010 and Year 2 students this year.

In 2012 it will finish with Year 3, revisiting the original kindergarten students.

“Our project has become extremely popular among students, fathers and teachers alike,” Walker said. “Keeping students interested in reading plays a huge role in their educational development.”

He said there were two key factors that helped engage the child with learning: The time with their father, and the new materials and books that were provided.

“Studies have shown the difference dads can make,” Mr Walker said.

“Motivation is a key driving force behind the project, and the experience of reading with their dad is rewarding to both the child and the parent.”

Reports from schools within the learning community showed reading levels were improving across the board.

A number of schools also reported an increase in parental volunteers.