By Melissa Smalley
A program that aims to promote literacy for families of young children in 100 Mile House wrapped up over the weekend, but organizers hope to continue the drop-in story time in the new year on a weekly basis.
The Saturday Songs and Stories program, hosted by Cariboo-Chilcotin Partners for Literacy, took place once a month throughout the fall months, but program co-ordinator Kimberly Vance-Lundsbye tells the 100 Mile Free Press she has plans to turn it into a weekly event in January.
“It’s a great opportunity for parents who work during the week and can’t take their kids to early years programs to connect with other parents,” Vance-Lundsbye explains. “It’s very difficult to meet other people with kids the same age when you’re working.”
The free drop-in sessions at the 100 Mile House Library consist of a few stories, some songs and often times a craft aimed at pre-school and toddler-aged children.
The program is designed for families with children aged five and under, however, older siblings are welcome to take part as well, Vance-Lundsbye notes.
The hour-long gathering is an easy way to encourage young families to incorporate reading and singing in their routines at home, Vance-Lundsbye explains.
“It doesn’t have to be complicated,” she notes. “It’s just an hour, but it can help influence people to sing and read with their children as they go about their daily lives.”
The program room at the library, she points out, is the ideal location for such a program.
“Not only is it such a nice space, but being in the library, we are hoping families will get into the routine of coming to check out books while they’re here, which will further promote reading at home.”
No dates are set for the new year, but program info for January will be posted on the Cariboo-Chilcotin Partners for Literacy Facebook page in the coming weeks.
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