Story time before bed provides a wonderful opportunity for parents and children to bond, but this bedtime activity also boasts big benefits for a child’s development.
“Students who are exposed to literacy at an early age perform better in school,” says Dr. Alesia L. Flye, assistant superintendent for instruction and chief academic officer at the Macomb Intermediate School District. “They are typically better prepared. Not all students have access to opportunities such as enrichment camps, lots of books at home, regular visits to libraries and museums, or family trips that keep young minds engaged. Exposure to books allows children to experience things beyond their immediate environments.”
In an effort to raise awareness about the importance of early literacy, the Macomb Intermediate School District, along with its 21 local school districts, is hosting its first-ever Macomb Reads Festival in partnership with Macomb County, the Anton Art Center, Detroit Public TV, the Detroit Institute of Arts and the United Shore Professional Baseball League.
The event, which takes place from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019 at the Macomb Intermediate School District, which is located at 44001 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, celebrates reading and aims to instill a love of reading in all ages.
The day’s happenings
Families with preschool through elementary age children are invited to attend this first-ever free event, which boasts a variety of activities for all ages.
The festivities kick off at 11 a.m. with opening remarks by Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel and WOMC 104.3 FM’s Stephen Clark.
Three Michigan authors – Macomb County native Kelly DiPucchio, Ruth McNally Barshaw and Denise Brennan-Nelson – will be reading their stories and conducting book signings. Kids can enjoy art activities, get their faces painted, play games and win prizes.
“Families can also pick up some new reads at the Book Fair, and each student will receive their own free book to add to their personal library,” Flye adds.
This new event is an important one for the community, since early literacy is key to success for children.
“There’s a great value in how literacy can enrich not just the child’s life but the entire family,” Flye says. “We’re hoping that this event will help rekindle that joy of reading, not just for the students but for their families, as well.”
For more information on the Macomb Reads Festival at the Macomb Intermediate School District, visit misd.net/MacombReads.
