IHEA donates time to read to Head Start preschoolers

Jasper, IN –Extension Homemakers were busy making a difference during Indiana Extension Homemaker Association (IHEA) Week reading to Head Start preschoolers.

Extension Homemaker members from Celestine, Friendly Neighbors, Schnellville and Victory clubs took time out to read in four Head Start classrooms October 18 and 20. After reading to the 61 children, members provided a book for each preschooler to read again at home with parents.

Parents have the power to promote a love of reading at an early age, giving their children one of the most important skills they’ll need for success in school and life. Sharing the joy of reading together not only will builds a child’s vocabulary skills, but also their social and emotional skills, all key elements for academic success. Dubois County Extension Homemakers understand the importance and joy of reading to the young child.

“First Books for Kids” is an Indiana Extension Homemaker Association program to benefit both preschool children and our members. The IEHA volunteer reads to a class of children on designated days, and then presents a copy of the book to each child. This was the first time for Dubois County Extension Homemakers to participate in the state program.