ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – March 18, 2018 – In celebration of Read Across America Week, Literacy Month and Dr. Seuss’s birthday, the Early Learning Coalition of North Florida (ELC) got into the spirit and put on six Dr. Seuss themed story time programs in local pre-schools. The schools were chosen through a drawing at ELC’s Early Educators Conference held in January.
Winning schools include:
St. Johns County – Palencia Montessori (St. Augustine), a Fun Place to Be (St. Augustine) and Kindercare; Putnam County – First Baptist Pre-school (Palatka); Clay County – OTB Kids (Fleming Island) and First Class Learning Center (Orange Park).
WHY CELEBRATE DR. SEUSS? According to Joan Whitson, ELC’s Early Literacy Outreach Manager, Dr. Seuss epitomizes a love of children and learning. She points out that his use of rhyme makes his books an effective tool for teaching young children the basic skills they need to be successful.
“When we celebrate Dr. Seuss and reading, we send a clear message to America’s children that reading is fun and important,” said Whitson.
Each pre-school received a story time with special guest the Cat in the Hat, followed by an activity time featuring learning activities that feature Dr. Seuss books. Every child received a free Dr. Seuss book and the school received a bag filled with an assorted set of Dr. Seuss books and activities.
“These programs would not be possible if it were not for the many dedicated ELC early literacy volunteers that commit their time and energy to this cause,” said Whitson.
For more information about the ELC early literacy programs or to volunteer contact Joan Whitson, Early Literacy Outreach Manager at: [email protected] or visit www.elcnorthflorida.org.
St. Johns County – Palencia: Palencia Montessori students, with the Cat in the Hat, holding up their FREE books at the Early Learning Coalition’s Story Time for Read Across America. Visit www.elcnorthflorida.org
Putnam County – First Baptist: Children from First Baptist Preschool and the Cat in the Hat at the Early Learning Coalition’s Story Time for Read Across America. Visit www.elcnorthflorida.org
Clay County – OTB Kids: Early Learning Coalition of North Florida volunteers reading “10 Apples Up On Top” with the Cat in the Hat at OTB Kids in Fleming Island at the Early Learning Coalition’s Story Time for Read Across America. Visit www.elcnorthflorida.org
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