Wednesday, May 28, children gathered at the Moniteau County Library @ Wood Place to begin the summer reading programs.
The baby, toddler and pre-school portion of the summer reading program was made possible with a "Racing-to-Read in Moniteau County" grant provided in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the Missouri State Library, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State. Two story times were held Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. A baby and toddler program was held with a good attendance. Emily Ziehmer and Tawnya Claus led the group. Claus read "One Sheep/Blue Sheep" to the children. The care givers assisted children with looking at books and color wheels. Ziehmer and Claus encouraged the children to find colors and objects on a very colorful quilt on which they sat.
Connie Walker hosted the 3-5 year old program. They began the program with singing a color song and using color squares. Next Walker read two stories, "Planting A Rainbow" and "I Spy With My Little Eye." The children concluded the day at the library with a hands on activity of coloring, cutting and pasting. The activities were age appropriate for the two groups and used the five "Racing to Read" principles: Love Books, Talk and Read, Tell Stories, Play with Letters and Sing and Rhyme. The 2014 theme of "Fizz, Boom, Read" will explore all aspects of science and how it shapes the world. During the nine-week reading program, children can build a robot from craft supplies, explore color through art, be a weather forecast, and build structures using spaghetti and marshmallows and more. The Family Reader is tailored for children who are not reading on their own or just beginning to read, such as a child entering kindergarten and first grade. Those entering kindergarten and first grade met Thursday, May 29, with the second-fourth graders. The Independent Reader level is for students entering second-fourth grade in the fall. These children are encouraged to read on their own at least 15 minutes a day. Programs on the theme: "Fizz, Boom, Read," will be held each Thursday at 6:30 p.m., upstairs at the library.
Children in the Family and Independent Reader levels earn tickets for reading, checking out books and attending programs. The final parties will feature a special show called, "Mad Science" from Kansas City. Admittance to the show will be $5 in tickets. After the show, children can shop for prizes at the market with remaining ticket money. The party will take place Thursday, July 31, at the United Church of Christ friendship hall.
The Tween readers, entering fifth-eighth grade have a "Spark a Reaction" theme. These students are encouraged to read 1500 pages over a nine week period. Students at this level earn tickets for reading and attending programs. These students had a special program Tuesday, June 3. Additional meetings for this age group will be held June 17, July 1 and 15, at 6:30 p.m., upstairs at the library. Tween readers will also have a "Mad Science" show followed by a trip to the market to shop for prizes Thursday, July 31, at 4 p.m.
Teens entering grades ninth-12 can earn cash prizes for reading for enjoyment over the summer. The reward for reading four books is $5; eight books is $10; and 12 books is $15.
To register your child or for more information go to the library web page: www.moniteaucountylibrary.org or call 573-796-2642.