KSF providing books for local children

In support of early learning and literacy, the Kimball Public Schools Foundation has been providing books to area youngsters since May 2008.

Books are offered to children from birth to 6 years of age, and in the first month of operation 11 books were provided.

At the end of the program’s first year, 48 books were mailed to children in the district with a total of 361 books provided at that time. By the end of the fourth year the total of books distributed jumped to 2,025.

At this time, approximately 30 books are distributed monthly, according to foundation member and special educator Tiffany Johnson.

“If the child’s parents work for the school, then the book is given to the parent to take home for the child,” Johnson said. “If they do not work for the school, then the book is mailed to them.”

The foundation pays for the postage and for books when they are needed. They also accept donated books which are then used for children in the program, according to Johnson.

“Currently I am choosing the books for the student,” Johnson said. “In the past and probably in the future, I have had students help me select the books and get them ready for the children.”

According to the foundation newsletter, many generous donations have helped make this program successful.

Literacy advocates suggest daily reading to children beginning at birth and continuing through grade school to introduce a healthy habit.

“Children who have been read to while growing up tend to continue the behavior and read on their own as they get older,” Johnson said. “The goal is to get books into the hands of our youth at a young age to encourage reading in among families.”

Research suggests that this can be done with just 30 minutes of reading out loud.

The U.S. Department of Education further suggests that limiting television to set aside time for reading, nursery rhymes and poems will encourage literacy as well.

Parents are encouraged to be a positive role model and even set up a reading and writing area at home with favorite books, paper and writing material and comfortable surroundings.

Information needed for registration includes the names of parents and children, child’s date of birth and mailing address.

To register or for more information contact the Kimball Public Schools’ superintendent’s office at 308-235-2188.