Recognising the importance of reading in today’s technology-driven world, the St. Maarten Library organised a highly informative parental workshop as part of the ongoing Babies and Toddlers Book Start Campaign 2023.
Led by respected educator Patricia Illidge-Maier, the workshop aimed to establish a reading culture for early childhood development on St. Maarten, in anticipation of World Literacy Day on September 8.
The event began with an engaging storytelling session by esteemed education expert Jessica Mckenzie-Setz, who captivated the children present with the enchanting tale Het Ochtend Koor by Suzanne Barton. To ensure parents could fully absorb the valuable information, Shakirah Cornett provided entertaining activities for the children.
Illidge-Maier delivered a powerful presentation during the workshop. The parental session emphasised the significance of parents reading to their children and fostering a lifelong love for reading.
Parents were recognised as playing a pivotal and active role in their children’s educational development. They were provided with practical tips, strategies, and recommendations for age-appropriate reading materials, enabling them to create joyful and rewarding reading experiences for both themselves and their children.
Parents, educators, and community members attentively listened to the vital role that reading and visiting the library play in a child’s life.
The workshop concluded with a lively question-and-answer session, allowing attendees to seek personalised advice and recommendations from Illidge-Maier. Additionally, parents had the opportunity to sign up their little ones at the library and receive their BoekStart Koffertjes. THE DAILYHERALD.SX