I read today to the pre-school children at the Wayne Reed Christian Child Care Center (CCCC). These children who live in the toughest part of town and whose parents both work were so well-behaved, sweet and responsive, I just had to hug them all. They all insisted on helping me out of a very low chair and inviting me back. It was a great experience!
I do miss reading to children--something I did nearly every day of my professional life as a public-school librarian. Maddie and Ella have told me that their librarian never reads to them--what a shame. Children treated to a visit to the library ought to hear a good book before they leave as part of their experience. Yes, of course their teachers read to them (especially at Grandbery Elem.) yet, I am hearing from teachers who say they have no time to read anymore because of all the emphasis on testing. Yes, their parents read to them--but sometimes they are not hearing the best of books there. I think it is part of a librarian's job to point both children and their teachers to the best of books available--there is so much junk out there, that a professional is sometimes needed to point the way.
Read on, kids!
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