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United Way's Born Learning workshops show how it's done. Reprinted from The Florida Times-Union Did you know that everyday chores such as measuring ingredients and separating laundry by colors can be an educational experience for children? A little more than a year ago, Marme Kopp of Avondale attended a United Way of Northeast Florida's Women in Local Leadership meeting and heard about an opportunity to participate in United Way Born Learning workshops. The Born Learning campaign stresses the importance of early learning and helps parents and caregivers prepare young children for school by stimulating their development from birth. Parents are given simple, practical action steps that help them turn everyday moments, such as bedtime or grocery shopping, into quality learning opportunities for their children. "We need to help our children get ready to learn," said Kopp, owner of Today's Staffing. "One way to do this is by educating each parent, grandparent, relative or friend on how important it is to talk, read, play or just sing songs with children at an early age," she said. When considering opportunities to volunteer, Kopp thought it would be great to help young children get a proper start as a way to make a difference in a child's life. During a recent Born Learning workshop with new moms, one mother shared her experience of how she already uses cooking time as a way to teach her 3-year-old. As Kopp described simple games to play while cooking, such as measuring water and talking about colors of food, she saw the woman's face light up. Kopp explained, "This mom had learned a new game and was excited to make dinner that night with her child." Since spring 2005, more than 28 local residents like Kopp have dedicated many hours of their time and expertise to make Born Learning an enriching program for area families. Volunteers design program materials and conduct workshops, such as Playing the Games, Learning on the Go and Everyday Activities for Dads. To date, 3,000 parents and caregivers have benefited from the workshops. "Parents enjoy the workshops because they build on what many are already doing," said Melodie Dove, United Way's Born Learning Trainer. "They reinforce the importance of things like singing and simple communication." Research shows that the first two years of a child's life are critical for brain development. Active play time helps children develop mental, physical and social skills. Kopp encourages parents to take one of the 45-minute workshops as an integral building block to their child's lifelong learning and achievement. "The most effective tool these workshops offer is the understanding that just talking to a child can make a major difference in the child's future," said Kopp. "It's such an incredibly basic concept, yet people still don't do it," she said. When working with parents, she sees how involved and animated they get during the session and hopes they are able to keep that same level of excitement with their children when the go home. If you are interested in holding an interactive workshop for parents at your company or organization, call Melodie Dove, United Way Born Learning trainer, at 390-3225. 
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