Bringing learning home

Joshua Anisansel, director of English Language Arts for the Long Beach School District, encouraged parents to take their children to the Long Beach Public Library and pick out books that they can enjoy together.

His suggestion was part of a presenation made by teachers and administrators who stressed the importance of reading and bringing teaching home at the 2nd Annual Education Fair at the Martin Luther King Jr. Center on Feb. 23.

“We need to establish structures in our home to make reading non-negotiable,” Anisansel told an audience of neighborhood parents and fellow teachers.

Anisanel also suggested that parents read the same books that their children are reading so that they can ask their kids questions about each story, which she said will lead to them into more conversations. Science Director Ken Graham said that he often reads books with his children that include science themes. He reminded parents that even cooking dinner involves

science.

“We have an amazing opportunity in our homes to act like scientists,” Graham said.

Graham encouraged parents to let their children help prepare a meal, which involves mixing and measuring, two basic science skills. He told parents that since they live in Long Beach, they should use the beach and the ocean as reasons to talk about marine life, the weather and the environment. He also encouraged them to explore Long Island’s zoos and parks. Social Studies Director Sean Hurley reiterated Anisanel’s and Graham’s emphasis on reading but stressed that parents should be role models for their children. “Your children are watching you,” Hurley said.

The event was the second held by the MLK Center, but the first time the center worked in conjunction with the school district. While heavy rains may have kept many parents away, organizer and West School teacher Natasha Nurse said she believes the night was a success.“I firmly believe that the information dispensed that evening … are useful tools and strategies that parents can feel comfortable using together with their children,” said Nurse, who is also on the center’s board of directors.

Comments about this story? Jkellard@liherald.com or (516) 782-7498.