Woodstock Sentinel Review: 2008 January 28
WOODSTOCK - Learning was fun this weekend at the Family Literacy Day event held at St. Mary’s High School in Woodstock.
Hundreds of families turned up at the sixth annual event that marks a national day encouraging families to read together.
Reading as a family and reading for enjoyment are essential for children and their reading and learning development, said Darlene Pretty, the Woodstock Public Library’s head of children’s services and member of the Family Literacy Day committee.
"When a family reads together, it instills a life of reading and learning in children," she said.
"The event has grown over the years and many families return each year. We grew out of our Fanshawe College space used last years.
"It was free for families to register and every child received a free book.
"We have every type of book, for babies to teenagers," Pretty said.In the craft area, children giggled and ran towards special guests, Clifford, Little Red Riding Hood and Curious George.
There were also local celebrities on hand to read their favourite children’s books to eager crowds. Mayor Michael Harding, OPP Const. Laurie-Anne Maitland and community services manager Brad Janssen were among the group. There was also a Scholastics book fair.In the cafeteria, where children picked out their free book, Kozmo, a fluffy golden dog, and Jennifer Simpson, from St. John’s Ambulance, greeted kids.
"What book did you get?" Simpson asked the kids petting Kozmo.
Simpson is the co-ordinator of a pilot program that brings gentle, child-tested and trained dogs into schools, where students can read to them.
"Instead of going into remedial reading, the kids can read aloud to the dogs," she said.
"Kids aren’t embarrassed to tell their friends, because its fun."
The dog just sits and listens. They don’t judge like adults and other children do, Simpson said. A similar program started two years ago in Kitchener, has had tremendous success.
The pilot program just started at Northdale and Algonquin public schools in Woodstock.
There is also a program at Rolph Street Public School in Tillsonburg.After meeting Kozmo, Simpson invited kids to head downstairs and meet the three dogs working in the schools.
Five-year-old Laura Waterland is in senior kindergarten at Hillcrest Public School. She sat down with Haillie the dog and volunteer Gail Lange to read, "Who Will Tuck Me In Tonight?" by Carol Roth.
Laura giggled as Haillie rolled on her back and snuggled into her.
Laura’s mother, Jennifer stood nearby. She said reading together is important to the family.
"Reading out loud together is a wonderful thing," she said, adding that her mother - who was also at the event - read to her as a child.
This event is wonderful, we come every year,î she said.Lange said going into schools with Haillie is a wonderful experience, because children get positive one-on-one time.
Mostly, Haillie just lays there calmly, sometimes she will sniff the book and the kids love that, because itís like sheís looking at the pictures,î she said.
After visiting with Haillie, the Waterland family walked down the hall to where the reading sessions were being held in a couple classrooms.
They settled into the packed Mother Goose class.
The sing along session was particularly popular because of the interaction between parents, children.
Ane Innes, who held the session, sang old favourites, including, the wheels on the bus and itsy bitsy spider.
Innes said singing with children and reading rhythmic books is important for young childrenís development.
