Children learn through play!

In May 2012, the Ministry of Education, Employment and Gender Affairs 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 brought about the continuation of “Play, Read, Learn!” for the 2012-2013 school year, and was attended by 215 children and their parent/caregivers.

With the success of both programmes we are proud to launch the 2013-2014 school year “Play, Read, Learn!” The programme will run from October 2013 through June 2014 with the first programme on 2nd October at the George Town Public Library and 3rd October 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 2nd October 2013 to 25th June 2014, and the classes at the Teacher Redley Powery Public Library in West Bay will be held on Thursdays from 3nd October 2013 to 26th 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.

Photo Caption: Play, Read, Learn! logo