Feed the Mind – Whāngaihia te hinengaro

Feed the Mind is a public information campaign that shows parents and other family and community members how they can help young children develop literacy and numeracy skills. Following on from television, radio, and roadside advertisements during 1999–2001, a variety of printed publications has been produced for parents of children in early childhood services and of new entrants in schools. These items have all been published in English, and work continues on completing translations into five Pasifika languages and te reo Māori.

Research conducted in over six hundred households throughout New Zealand, both before and after the launch of the Feed the Mind campaign, shows comprehensive success in lifting the confidence and competence of adults in helping young children with reading, writing, and number skills.

A publishing success story

The two main sets of the Feed the Mind pamphlets have been reprinted several times in response to remarkable levels of ongoing requests. Late last year, ten thousand more of each of the pamphlets in English for parents of new entrant children were printed, and five thousand more of the pamphlets in English for early childhood use. At the same time, up to two thousand of the new entrant pamphlets in five Pasifika languages were required. Already these Pasifika pamphlets are being reprinted, several at up to four thousand each, plus another twenty thousand of How can we help our children to read the books they bring home from school?

The Feed the Mind materials

The dual-text swatches
The swatches give quick tips for parents to help their children develop basic numeracy and literacy skills in everyday situations. These dual-text items all combine the English text with a version in Māori or one of five Pasifika languages.

Pamphlets for parents of new entrant children
Four attractively illustrated, user-friendly pamphlets on reading, writing, speaking and listening, and maths provide encouragement and guidance by suggesting ideas and strategies that parents can use to help their children learn. These pamphlets have been translated into five Pasifika languages.

Pamphlets for parents of children at early childhood centres
These four pamphlets cover similar topics to those for parents of new entrants but focus on strategies to support children under five. They are being translated into te reo Māori and Pasifika languages.

Posters by popular request
The pamphlets for parents of children in early childhood services have been so popular that it was decided to turn them into A3-sized posters for walls and noticeboards. The four posters focus on reading, writing, listening and talking, and mathematics. They are being produced in Māori for kōhanga reo.

To enquire about or order any of the Feed the Mind materials, contact Learning Media Customer Services, freephone 0800 800 565, freefax 0800 800 570, email orders@learningmedia.co.nz

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