First Books For Kids Program - The Gift of Literature

There isn't anything more fun and satisfying than sharing a book with a child.  Reading along, using fun voices and pitches, watching for words they recognize, as well as shapes and colors, introducing them to a new world or thought with the book you hold in your hand.  And answering the little questions that pop up through the story, and acknowledging them as they pick up on clues in the book.  They always have questions and want to share something either related to the subject or not.  But when you read a book you are teaching them so many things.

Yes, teaching them to do many things.  Sure recognizing letters and words as they grow and learn, but also it teaches them to open their minds to new or even old ideas and let's their imagination expand more.  And reading a story many times is not just repetition of a favorite book, but a building block of knowing something familiar, seeking a new stone to add to that foundation before going to another book or event in their lives.  Yes, those little stolen moments are life blocks of learning and finding themselves in the world they are growing up in. 

Books introduce them to the world as they grow and it only takes a few minutes to read with them.  Books should be corner stones of the day for children, morning, noon, afternoon, before a nap, and after, with a meal, or a quiet time, in the car or even the bus; and at bed time is a must.

Randolph County Indiana Extension Homemakers love reading, and sharing the love of reading.  Indiana Extension Homemakers Association has a program called First Books for Kids, a program that brings books to children at Head Start.  Here in Randolph County, we read to each class four times a year, and when we do, each child gets a copy of the book that was read to keep for their very own, but also the classroom gets a copy as well.  Many members of Randolph County Extension Homemakers vie to get to read to these precious children.  It's fun to plan how to read the story, how to introduce the main characters, find props or even bring another activity to do that goes along with the story.  Even dressing for the story can be fun and creative.

In return, the Extension Homemakers gets laughs and giggles, hugs and hand holding, and the children beg you to stay a little while longer.  What's more precious than a little time with a child?  With a book...

If you are interested in becoming a member Randolph County Indiana Extension Homemakers Association or have questions, please contact the Extension Office. 

e-mail is randolpieha@gmail.com
mailing address is 1885 US-27, Winchester, IN 47394
phone # 765 584 2271