By By Penny Randall/The Meridian Star
Nov. 18, 2001
Area children will have the opportunity to participate in a special program Monday as the Reading is Fundamental (RIF) StoryTraveler visits Meridian.
The East End Head Start Center will be the site for the "Reading Takes You Places" program, which is being delivered to hundreds of children across Mississippi this month.
In addition to the children at the local Head Start Centers, the program will also be open to youngsters age 3 to 5 who attend other day cares.
head start in life. We talk so much about reading this is a way to promote reading in the home as well as in the schools," said Paulene Smith, an early childhood disability service specialist at the center.
The StoryTraveler will present four shows Monday 8:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
Children will be amazed by the interactive puppet and illusion show, in addition to a storytelling segment. Each participant will receive a free book to continue their reading at home and a booklet with literacy activities and tips to assist families with their literacy development.
One of RIF's StoryTraveler vehicles will visit 23 Mississippi sites this month as part of a national partnership between The Coca-Cola Company and Reading is Fundamental Inc., the nation's largest and oldest children's and family literacy organization. The partnership was developed to give children in the highest-need communities access to high-quality books and the tools they need to develop a love for reading.
For more information on Reading is Fundamental Inc., visit their Web site at www.rif.org.
The StoryTraveler's next stop will be at the Forest Community Head Start Center in Scott County on Wednesday.
The East End Head Start Center is located at 2124 11th Ave., Meridian. For information, call the center at 482-4665.
Penny Randall is an editorial assistant at The Meridian Star. Call her at 693-1551, ext. 3216, or e-mail her at prandall@themeridianstar.com.