Carl Sagan once said, “The greatest gift adults can give to their offspring and to their society is to read to the children.” This belief has been implemented in Greene County through the Family Storyteller program recently held in Churdan. The class is designed to teach parents and grandparents literacy skills to apply with their preschoolers. Through generous partnerships books, craft supplies, meals, and child care are free to the participants.
The class is offered by Greene County Extension and provides strategies and activities designed to increase literacy in young children. Sue Richardson, Greene County Extension families coordinator and volunteer Amy Milligan taught the class. “It is an educational and fun way to improve reading skills and make parents and grandparents more confident helping their children learn to read,” said Richardson.
The preschoolers enjoyed learning through favorites such as The Wheels on the Bus, Goodnight, Moon, and The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
Books and supplies were purchased with a mini grant from the Community Partnership for Protecting Children. Sessions were held at First Baptist and St. Columbkille Catholic Churches with meals provided by St. Columbkille and United Methodist Churches, all in Churdan. Shari Minnehan and Marilyn Tilley from the Churdan public library provided day care.
Plans are underway to hold Family Storyteller again this summer. Contact Greene County Extension at 515-386-2138 for more information.
