West Liberty University's Parent Project is offering a way
for parents to better understand their children's health.
The project began last fall, but more workshops are planned
for the spring at the WLU Highlands Center.
The workshops look at the issues affecting children: divorce
rate, obesity epidemic, rate of disability and prescribed medication, increased
academic demands, proliferation of technology, the economic downturn and lack
of financial literacy among children and adults.
"This project addresses these big issues that impact the physical
and emotional health of children," said Keely Camden, dean of WLU's college of education.
The parent project provides an interactive and hands-on
forum for parents and other guardians to gain knowledge of the issues relevant
to raising healthy children. It also allows parents to network and learn from
other situations.
Upcoming workshop at the Highlands Center include:
· Jan. 23, Creative Literary Activities, low cost and
no-cost creative activities to promote reading, mathematics and critical thinking for children
in preschool through elementary school.
· Feb. 7, Software and Gadgets for Children with ADHD and
Autism, this session will increase understanding of assistive technology that can
capitalize on strengths and work on challenges to learn math, reading and
writing. Children are encouraged to attend this workshop with their parents.
· Feb. 26, Youth Sports 101, this topic covers the pros and
cons of travel sports, school sports and community sports and is geared to parents
of children ages 6-16.
· March 26, Keeping Kids Safe Online, 20 safety tips will
be shared and a companion website with links to resources, childcare provided.
· April 11, The Teenage Brain, a session that looks at the workings
of the brain in relation to educational and social success.
· April 23, Food for Thought, children ages 4-18 are
encouraged to attend with parents to hear the information and sample the
healthy food.
· May 14, Effective Discipline, based on the book,
"Parenting with Love and Logic," childcare provided.
Two follow-up workshops, specifically designed for parents of young children,
will be hosted at the Children's Museum of the Ohio Valley in downtown Wheeling
and presented by faculty from the Early Childhood Program at West Liberty
University.
· March 21, The Learning Garden, building an Interactive
and Educational Garden with Children, will explore ways to engage children in
gardening. This workshop is geared toward children, age 2 -14 and
parents are encouraged to attend with their children.
· June 6, The Sugar Wars: Getting Kids to Eat and Drink
Less Refined Sugar, healthy and low-sugar or no-sugar alternatives will be sampled
and provided, children encouraged to attend with their
parents.
The Parent Project was funded through a grant from the Community Foundation for
the Ohio Valley and there is no charge to attend the workshops.
"Administrators and faculty in the College of Education at West Liberty University,
in collaboration with the Children's Museum of the Ohio Valley, created this
Parent Project idea and we are so grateful
that the Community Foundation supported this important community education
effort. We encourage any interested person to call us or explore the topics so
they can take advantage of this opportunity,"
Camden said.
For information, call WLU's College of Education at 304-336-8247. Parents do not have to pre-register to attend
the workshops. WLU's Highlands Center campus is located at 355 Wharton Circle,
Suite 200, near the Marquee Cinemas.
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 WorldNow and WTRF. All Rights Reserved.
