At the Howe Community Library, on Friday mornings, from 9 -10 am, a very special gathering occurs. “Wee Readers” invites any child of preschool age (birth-5 years) and their parent/ caregiver to join in group activities, such as: singing songs, listening to short books and playing with the vast array of toys the library sets out.
“Miss Joyce”, the much-adored Library Aide, is legendary among Howe ISD students.
She has become a specialist in creating curriculum for each age. Mrs. Park spends hours researching, preparing, and creating fresh material which includes: games, sing-a-long songs with hand motions, stories, puppet shows, and props.
Joyce works expertly with all the different ages and children respond to her easily. She gets to know each child personally and speaks to each one. The attendance hovers near 10 – 12 pre-schoolers and 4 – 6 adults.
On every fourth visit, the child earns a free new book, to take home. These youngsters
get to play with other kids their own age, they learn how to share, and develop friendships, as the adults sit near their little one and interact.
Major studies have proven that when children are read to, long before entering Kindergarten, the challenge of learning to read is much easier for them and it naturally follows that they will be successful in other school subjects, as well.
A child who is held in the lap of a loving adult, and experiences the wonder of a book
being read to them, can develop a life-long love of learning.
This is the 10th year of Wee Readers program and the first group of kids who attended when it began, are in middle school now.
In the summer, Wee Readers is 10-11am. It is offered all year except during August.
Tell a friend about Wee Readers Club for pre-schoolers or stop by for a smile!
(Submitted by Gay Brennan)
