“Story time” has a magical sound. What can be better than sitting with a favorite adult and hearing a new story read with enthusiasm and love? Fostering this kind of positive experience with books is one of the goals of the new Saturday Storytime program, which will begin in February.
“We’re so excited to bring back Saturday programming for young children,” says Early Childhood Program Manager Cheryl Potemkin. “It’s something we had to stop during the pandemic, and we’ve all missed it. It’s also a great way to bring our early childhood experience to families who can’t attend weekday programs.”
Saturday Storytime will take place in the Garden, usually in or near the Fuller Garden, weather permitting. Registration is not required, and the story session is included with admission. “It can be something families plan to attend, or they can join us if they happen to be in the Garden on a Saturday,” Potemkin says.
She adds, “We’re able to offer this program with the help a new group of enthusiastic volunteers who are dedicated to early childhood education. And we invite anyone who would love the chance to read to children to join us.”
As well as hearing a story, families will be offered an extension sheet full of activities they can try in the Garden or at home to keep on learning.
“We talk a lot about all of the benefits of reading books about nature to young children–how it builds early literacy skills, creates a positive association with books and teaches love of the natural world,” says Potemkin. “All of that is so important. But you can’t deny that there’s simply something wonderful about story time.”
The first two Saturday Storytimes will be offered Feb. 4 and 25 at 10:30 a.m. Visit the Main Events Calendar for future sessions.
