NATCHEZ — A rubber band and a little ingenuity was all Tanya Woods needed Saturday to see the value of Parent University.

Woods was one of several Natchez-Adams School District parents, family members and educators who gathered Saturday to learn new ways to help district children become star students.

NASD’s Parent Academy hosted Saturday’s Parent University at the Natchez Freshman Academy.

“The information you get at Parent University is worth the visit,” Woods said after learning how to use a rubber band to make geometric shapes. “These are good methods to incorporate with kids at home or in the classroom.”

The event provided parents with an array of topics to enhance learning capabilities through reading, math and language.

NASD Parent Liaison Debra Allen said parents must learn new ways to help their children at home.

“We present different activities for the parents to take home and help their children,” Allen said.

Among the activities presented at the event, parents and educators experienced new ways to help students learn various shapes by using marshmallows, toothpicks, rubber bands and a geometric board, a program presented by Kenethia Doss, a fifth-grade math teacher at Susie B. West Elementary.

Parents and educators also participated by playing a game of double dip, which required them to match the word on an ice cream cone with two sentences to create a double-scoop treat.

Educators have to prepare themselves so they can help students, said Susie B. West Elementary Librarian Marilyn Woods.

“I work with (students) all the time,” Marilyn Woods said. “This program helps better prepare them for upcoming tests.”

McLaurin Elementary School English language arts teacher Mary Kramer instructed parents on better ways to prepare their children for upcoming state tests.

“Ask your kids questions and have them answer you in a complete sentence,” Kramer said. “This will help them expand their vocabulary and writing skills.”