Children who begin school without basic language and literacy skills have difficulty learning to read. Parents and other adults can be instrumental in preparing children to learn by reading to them at an early age.
The Family Storyteller program, offered by Greene County Extension, uses 12 reading techniques, video clips, modeling and take-home activities to increase the amount and quality of time parents and their 3-6 year old children spend together in literary activities.
The class is taught by Sue Richardson, Greene County Extension families coordinator, and volunteer Amy Milligan.
The recent six-session class was held at First United Methodist Church in Jefferson. After parents learned about the skills highlighted for the session, children joined the parents to read the featured book and do a take-home activity. Day care was provided by Laura Ballard.
By the end of the program the families had six books, 24 take-home activities, and supplies worth $50.
The program was made possible by funds received through Communities 4 Children Decategorization and Community Partnerships for Protecting Children Neighborhood/Community Network mini grants. Meals for participants were provided by St Joseph Catholic Church, Home State Bank, A&W, and Beta Tau Delta sorority.
Plans are underway to hold Family Storyteller again in 2016. Contact Greene County Extension at 515-386-2138 for more information.
