Kids at Every Branch Library Now Have Early Literacy Stations
The Springfield-Greene County Library District recently installed seven new computer systems for early learners, so that every one of the 10 branches in the library system now has at least one early literacy station.
The stations, developed by Advanced Workstations in Education Inc., give preschoolers, early elementary grade children and their parents access to tons of fun and top-rated educational software programs.
“We encourage parents to explore the new computer stations with their children ages 3 and up as another way they can build the skills their children need to succeed in school,” said Nancee Dahms-Stinson, the library district’s youth services coordinator.
Designed to “grow” with children, 3- and 4-year-olds will find favorites such as Dora’s Magic Castle and Green Eggs and Ham, while first- and second-graders can explore My Amazing Human Body and Math Blasters 5-7.
The popular computer games, colorful keypad, child-size mouse and touch-screen technology on select stations make the early literacy stations kid- and parent-friendly, Dahms-Stinson said.
Each of the stations is preloaded with more than 50 English, Spanish and bilingual software programs. The bilingual programs allow children and parents to toggle back and forth between languages.
The stations were purchased through the Summer Literacy Initiative grant through the Missouri State Library with funds from the Library Services and Technology Act. It is administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Missouri office of the Secretary of State.
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