By Adebayo Olodan
Parents and guardians have been urged to always correct their wards with care and love each time they make mistakes in their academics.
A lecturer of the Department of Mass Communication, University of Ilorin, Dr Abdulrasaq Adisa stated this on Tuesday at Oloje, Ilorin, during the 2nd Biennial Literacy Week of the Skill Builders Academy.
Speaking on the topic; ‘How to improve your child’s vocabulary,’ Adisa said parents should not reprimand their children whenever they failed to get their pronunciation right but should rather applaud them for the attempt.
“It is natural children mispronounce or misuse new words but the more fun and positive an experience, the more interested and able your children will be in expanding their vocabulary.
“If you talk about what interests your child, it is likely your child will pay rapt attention and learn new words,” he said adding that parents should help their wards understand what new words mean.
Adisa further advised the parents to always use new and interesting words during conversation with their children daily.
“You must also read interesting books to them. When such books contain fascinating words, pause and define those words to them. You can also help them to understand the language by playing verbal games and telling them stories.”
In his remarks, the Director of Skill Builders Academy, Mallam Abdul Adebayo Dan Azumi said the Literacy week is aimed at inculcating reading culture in the learners.
“This year, we devoted an entire week for the programme and all the four houses competed for honours in spelling bee, creative writing, Quranic memorisation, penmanship and book report among others to ensure an all-round development of the learners.”
He added that Skill Builders will continue to extend hand of fellowship by sharing knowledgeable ideas with neighbouring schools.
Meanwhile, Excellence House emerged the winner of the Literacy Week while Responsibility, Creativity and Wellness House occupied the 2nd, 3rd and 4th position respectively.
In the inter-schools quiz, which had 11 participants across Ilorin, Federal Staff School claimed the first prize, while Federal Government College Staff School and Our Lady’s Catholic School placed second and third in that order.
Among the dignitaries present was the Managing Director, Med Care Recreational Centre, Ilorin, Alh. M. N.K Apaokagi, Zonal Coordinator, Quality Assurance Bureau, Ministry of Education, Hajia Ramat Abdulraham.
