READ READ READ!

SAN DIEGO COUNTY KICKS OF FAMILY LITERACY MONTH!

San Diego County Supervisor Pam Slater-Price was only about two minutes into the story she was reading to the pre-Kindergartener’s when the first child tattled on his parent. “My dad, who’s picking me up today, drinks soda,” said the little boy. Slater-Price was reading “Potter the Otter: A Tale About Water” to a class of pre-K students at North County Serenity House to help First 5 San Diego kick off Family Literacy Month. Besides emphasizing family reading time, the book is a creative lesson to help children make healthier drink choices.

“One of the most important things a parent can do for their child is read to them,” said Slater-Price. “Children then associate reading with learning and with comfort and love.”

The 21 children all sat attentively in neat rows on the floor, eyes affixed as Slater-Price turned and showed the illustrations after she read each page. Colorful images leapt off the pages showing how Goose and Moose gave up their juice, how skunks in a bunch don’t drink punch or how Toada stopped wanting soda.

First 5 San Diego Executive Director Barbara Jimenez then read the book to the group again in Spanish. When she finished, Slater-Price showed the children activities in the back of the book that they could do with their parents.

Then it was quiz time - but no need for panic. These kids knew their stuff. Most hands flew up when the Slater-Price asked if they knew they shouldn’t go to bed without brushing their teeth. They even said they knew to brush their teeth after eating candy or drinking soda (the Supervisor told them it was okay to have some once in a while – just not very often and to make sure you get the sugar off your teeth right away).

Slater-Price, who had been a teacher for 10 years, said she always loved reading time the most and encouraged parents and children to go together and explore the County’s libraries, (www.sdcl.org.)

“It’s easy and it’s fun,” she said. “It’s just a fun time for both the parents and kids.”

Each child received their own copy of “Potter the Otter” and several bookmarks. (http://www.countynewscenter.com/news/story-time-kicks-literacy-month)