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-Grandbuddies - This program works off the premise that retired people, acting as mentors, are an invaluable resource for families. They have a wealth of experience, knowledge and life skills. Grandbuddies do many different things, including reading in classrooms, helping kids read for the Top Cop program, participate in the Mother Goose sessions and more.
-Mother Goose Goes to School - A pilot project which provides a 'bridge' for preschoolers into kindergarten. Mother Goose visits Qualicum Beach Elementary School to read and sing with preschoolers, helping to familiarize them with a school setting. They also receive an honorary library card.
- Mother Goose and Friends (see related story, B1).
- Top Cop - Local RCMP, through the community policing office, encourage local students to increase daily reading. At the start of the month all students are awarded the rank of constable. The more they read, the higher rank they achieve. If they reach the rank of commissioner in one month, they earn a special reward like a ride to school in a police car.
-Grandbuddies - This program works off the premise that retired people, acting as mentors, are an invaluable resource for families. They have a wealth of experience, knowledge and life skills. Grandbuddies do many different things, including reading in classrooms, helping kids read for the Top Cop program, participate in the Mother Goose sessions and more.
Words on Wheels (WOW) - Takes the Mother Goose program to outlying parts of the community. Also will offer adult literacy information.
-Mother Goose Goes to School - A pilot project which provides a 'bridge' for preschoolers into kindergarten. Mother Goose visits Qualicum Beach Elementary School to read and sing with preschoolers, helping to familiarize them with a school setting. They also receive an honorary library card.
- Books for Babes - A community project to enhance infant education. After a baby is born, public health nurses present a cloth gift bag, made by residents of local seniors facilities, filled with a first book for baby, a directory of children's services and educational information for parents.
-Treasure Box of Books - Treasure boxes full of books are circulated among daycares and preschools. Parents are encouraged to borrow the boxes and read the books.
-Munchkin Land - is a future project being worked on by the BLT steering committee. The brainchild of literacy liaison Deborah Davenport, the project would involve the creation of a community of miniature, child-sized play buildings at a permanent site on school district property in Parksville. The environment, like a preschooler's theme park, would give kids a chance to improve their language and social skills. Community participants could include everything from farms to fire stations. Families, day care or preschool groups would be able to tour the hands-on exhibit. The BLT group is trying to secure grant funds for the project.
(Copyright Harbour City Star 2002)