Thanks Virgina.
Is PACT a formal program? I'm not familiar with it. I hadn't
considered the areas you brought up, but are certainly useful topics. These
group ideas sound wonderful, and could really help with the whole community
building aspect. Maybe if we offer some topical classes on a schedule that
could increase attendance too. We'd talked about parenting skills, and literacy
building ideas as part of the model, but I see the paradigm could be so much
bigger.

I guess the downside of limited progress could be problematic in
convincing funders to participate. One of our thoughts is to reach the underserved
and not to replicate what other programs are doing. I wonder though, if we
could be a feeder into them.

Thanks for your ideas! I love the brainstorming
of a community of practice.

Jean Marrapodi
Director of Education
Providence
Assembly of God Learning Center
353 Elmwood Avenue
Providence, RI 02907

www.providenceassembly.org
rejoicer at aol.com
401-461-7210

--- The Family
Literacy Discussion List <familyliteracy at nifl.gov wrote:


> Jean

> What

a great place to start.  Pitfalls: well with so few hours, I

> wouldn't expect

a lot of progress, but if you can build in some small

> group times or PACT,

the interaction could help with the isolation that

> this population deals

with daily.  PACT can imbed the job skills needed

> by the adults: planning,

completion of a plan, thinking ahead, what if's

> and fun.  The children

will get the benefit of play time with folks.

> The tutors could help with

this as well as work with the adults.  The

> parents needs some time to wear

the student hat, instead of the parent

> hat, if possible.  Are your volunteers

willing to work with children,

> without the parents too?  PACT is a powerful

tool and the first one that

> the adults will want to eliminate.

> 

> Good

luck

> Va

> 

<snip>