Kansas Reads to Preschoolers is celebrated each November as part of a statewide project through the State Library of Kansas to ensure that all public libraries in the state can promote early literacy.

   

This year’s featured book was: My Heart Fills With Happiness, by Monique Gray Smith, a perfect read-aloud during Native American Heritage Month, with its spotlight on Native American family life and culture.

Thanks to a $400 donation from the Midwest Energy Community Fund, the Macksville City Library was excited to offer some extra special activities for the local Pre-K students to enjoy.

After listening to the story, we brainstormed & everyone shared something that made them happy.  From baby cats & family, to basketball & reading books, the list was long (and could have gone on & on!).

Then, we divided into three groups so students could decorate a bookmark with something that made them happy, “Fill” their new scarecrow bear with stuffing, and create a nametag for their bear.  Some of the many unique names chosen were: Teddy, Clifford, Heart, Bob, and Tree.

 

The kids all posed with their new cuddly reading buddies!

And they posed with the awesome High School students who came to help us out!

Then- we all sampled some Bannock (Native American bread) that was mentioned in the story.

Made with only flour, salt, baking powder, canola oil & water, it was a chance to try something new.

 

Some wanted butter on theirs, some wanted grape jelly (some wanted MORE grape jelly!), but almost everyone gave this new taste treat a big ‘Thumbs Up!’

We are SO THANKFUL to Midwest Energy for the donation, and to Mrs. Loomis and Mrs. Wolff & her students for donating their time to help make this program a success.

   

Reading to children is one of the most important things you can do to help them on the road to literacy and a love of learning.

Plus- it Fills Their Hearts ♥ with Happiness!

If you have children Pre-K or younger, consider enrolling them in our 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program!  Visit the library for more details.