Success Story Program Year 2005-2006 
 
Problem:
A school counselor in the early 1990s approached Iowa State University Extension Families Field Specialists in Southwest Iowa for help. She wanted to create a way for parents and children to interact more. The goal of the Bridges Bags is to involve parents in reading and discussing books with their children to improve their children's reading skills and school success. Parent-Child interaction is enhanced with the activities provided in each bag.
 
Response:
Families Field Specialists Jill Euken and Pat Anderson developed four Bridges Bags which are still being used successfully by families today. Each one included books, games, and activity sheets. These Bridges Bags have been used in Page County since before 2000.  In 2005 the Bridges Bags were distributed to first graders in four schools in Page County: Clarinda, Essex, Shenandoah, and South Page. The first graders and parents were asked to read the books with their children, learn from the parenting publications in the bags, and complete the games and activities together as parent/child. One Bridges Bag was distributed in each quarter. The Family Life themes for the bags are: family communication, family chores, relaxation and stress management, and friendship in the early years of development.
 
Impact:
The impact for each bag on family life topics in Page County this year follows:
 
Bag #1: Family Communication:
There were 129 evaluations returned. 112 mothers, 41 fathers, 100 first graders, and 58 others participated in the activities in this bag. Of the enclosed books and publications, 127 parents and children read The Berenstain Bears and Too Much Pressure; 110 parents read Ages and Stages – 6 to 8 Years. Of the games and activities, 89 parents and children used the Family Sharing Grid while106 played Go Fish for Feelings.

•  “Have had several positive discussions as result of reading these books.”
•  “Been working on these things. Need to get grandma to follow rules.”

Bag #2: Family Chores: There were 106 evaluations returned. 85 mothers, 19 fathers, 61 first graders, and 24 others used this bag together. Of the enclosed books and publications, 100 parents and children read Just a Mess or Arthur, Clean Your Room! 95 parents read Balancing Work and Family – Sharing Work and Responsibilities. Of the games and activities, 93 parents and children completed the Five Finger Chore Reminder; 91 used the Progress Charts.. 

• 75 parents decided on a reward for their children when they completed the leaf/flower chore progress chart?

Bag #3:  Relaxation and Stress Management: There were 114 evaluations returned. Using this bag together were 98 mothers, 28 fathers, 79 first graders, 43 others. Of the enclosed books and publications, 107 parents and children read Relax; 92 parents read Managing Stress in Young Families and Helping Children Manage Stress; Of the games and activities, 86 parents and children cut out and used the Charlie finger puppet. 90 parents and children discussed a new stress management idea as a result of doing this packet.

•  “Some of the exercises were good. The book was also good about explaining that it is okay to be upset and how to relax.”

Bag #4: Friendship in the Early Years: There were 109 evaluations returned. 79 mothers, 29 fathers, 64 first graders, 34 others participated in the friendship related activities in this pack. Of the enclosed books and publications, 100 parents and children read Fish is Fish; 109 parents and children read Frederick; Of the games and activities, 93 parents and children wrote a list of behaviors that can help in making friends; and 77 made Frederick the mouse.
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•     93 families discussed how to make new friends with their young children.
 

 

Contact:
Mary Hughes
Family Life Field Specialist
3501 Harry Langdon Blvd
Council Bluffs, IA 51503-7837
Phone 712-366-7070; Fax 712-366-7024
Email mhughes@iastate.edu  

 

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