Children learn through play!

In May 2012, the Ministry of Education, Training and Employment and the Cayman Islands Public Library Service launched “Play, Read, Learn!”, a library-based programme  focusing on children between the ages of three and five years and their parents/caregivers. The pilot programme ran for six weeks and was attended by a total of 70 children and their parents/caregivers.

The pilot programme’s success has brought about the continuation of “Play, Read, Learn!” for the 2012-2013 school year.  “Play, Read, Learn!” will run from September 2012 through June 2013 with the first programme on 19 September at the George Town Public Library and 20 September at the Emily (Teacher) Redley Powery Memorial Public Library & Learning Centre in West Bay respectively.  The yearly schedule, which includes the monthly themes and the book titles for each programme, are available for pick up at both the George Town Public Library and at the Teacher Redley Powery Library.

“Play, Read, Learn!” is a programme designed by the Public Library Service along with the Early Childhood Care and Education Unit within the Ministry to provide a reading experience for children and their caregivers together that encourages “play with purpose”.

The series focuses on a structured story time programme that incorporates five basic practices that support learning to read: talking, singing, reading, writing and playing.

The programmes will run from 10:30 to 11:30 AM in each location. The classes at the George Town Public Library will be held on Wednesdays from 19 September 2012 to 26 June 2013, and the classes at the Teacher Redley Powery Public Library in West Bay will be held on Thursdays from 20 September 2012 to 27 June 2013.  All children must be accompanied by an adult who also participates in the programme.

These are fluid programmes, so parents/caregivers do not have to commit to attend all programs, but are encouraged to come as often as possible.  Groups wishing to attend “Play, Read, Learn!” are asked to call ahead.

For more information on the Play, Read, Learn! Programme please contact Andrea Taffe, Library Assistant at the George Town Public Library at 345-949-5159, or Dothlyn McFarlane, Community Librarian, at Emily (Teacher) Redley Powery Memorial Public Library at 345-949-7659 or visit the Cayman Islands Public Library Service Facebook page or website: www.cipl.gov.ky.