THE STUDENTS: Both Spanish speaking and English speaking parents of children (ages 3-7) who attend Barnard Early Childhood Center are the participants. This program can easily be adapted for parents of older children.

THE STAFF: A school social worker or one staff member can assist on this project. Volunteer parents are trained to facilitate groups.

MATERIALS & FACILITIES: School library or any available room with chairs where parents can meet. Specific books in English and/or Spanish such as: The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle, Caps for Sale by Slobodkina, Corduroy by Don Freeman, Where's My Duckling? by Nancy Tafuri.

OUTSIDE RESOURCES: Local public libraries from which we can borrow books and to which we can refer parents. Local taxi or bus company to transport parents to school.

OVERALL VALUE: Story Hours for Parents Only shows parents that they can be more effective teachers to their children than a TV set. It shows them that books are accessible and provide an enjoyable way of spending time together. Parents become more comfortable with books and feel empowered to share this language-loaded activity with their children.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

DEVELOPER: Vicki Rashbaum

SCHOOL:

PRINCIPAL: Harriet Glick

DISTRICT: New Rochelle City School District