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Why spending time with your kids is important

When children at Southampton Glebe School see Eunice Jones coming, they run up and embrace her rather than running to hide for fear of a reprimand.

Mrs. Jones began her career in 1965, (33 years ago), as a student teacher who went to England and attended Maria Grey College where she earned a Certificate of Education. She furthered her education by earning both a BA and MEd at Howard University. Southampton Glebe School has been led by the charismatic principal since 1996.

When Mrs. Jones was asked what the most challenging aspect of her role was she thoughtfully responded: "Making a difference in a child's life through the enrichment of education.'' Mrs. Jones' philosophy is posted on her office wall and reads: "Our teaching must be for learning today, tomorrow, and to enrich life. And the mission of enriching life allows us to teach the whole child and make learning for today and tomorrow meaningful.'' She offers the following educational tips for the Easter holidays and and summer: Parents need to get their children involved in a purposeful activity.

Use spring and summer as an opportunity to spend time with your children after work. In today's world most parents are working outside the home. Quality time one on one is vital.

Use reflection between parent/parents and child during the evening. Talk about what happened during the day. Share positive aspects about your day with your child.

Read to your child and have your child read to you. Monitor the reading material. Encourage your child to read at least one book a week.

Do a family scrapbook for the summer with all family members participating. A P-6 child be responsible for putting the book together. Younger children can write or draw things.

Keep a daily journal. Make the journal from scrap paper. Decorate the cover with sea shells from the beach or design the front cover with wild crayon colours. Remember that the journal represents the child's thoughts. When reading it, don't correct spellings or place value judgments.

Get the child/children involved with the weekly grocery shopping. It helps teach kids math, reading and nutrition.

Encourage the kids in the basic cooking and preparation of summer foods. Older kids can prepare a fruit salad. Younger kids might choose the dinner drink: lemonade, juice, water or milk.

Travel. Play tourist. Ride the ferry, take a bus trip, explore the forts, go to the Aquarium, visit St. George's or Royal Naval Dockyard.

Take a picnic to the park. Let the kids pack lunch for you and eat what they prepare.

Camp out under the stars at home for a few evening hours or a whole night. If you have the time, venture to White's Island or other places.

Pull out old board games such as checkers, chess, cards. Make up games and have fun.

Buy an inexpensive camera and let you child take pictures. Teach them photo composition.

Take up arts and crafts.