Reading, Talking, Playing: How one Idaho Town is Creating a Stronger Community Through Education
In one small Idaho town, in the southeastern part of the state, families are striving to build a brighter future, one day at a time. Through a dedicated effort to “read, talk, and play” with their children, this special community is setting the stage for an even brighter tomorrow.
At the heart of these efforts is a shared recognition of the value of spending time with your children – especially when it comes to reading. As one resident points out, “Most of the kids in our town don’t have access to books the way they do in larger communities. So, we need to make sure they get the same chance to learn, to explore and to grow.” To that end, the residents are coming together to organize book drives and literacy events, often through local businesses and other organizations.
To ensure that kids receive the same quality education regardless of their family’s financial situation, many local families have come together to organize weekly playgroups for kids, often providing access to educational materials and interactive activities that can help young children learn valuable skills. Playgroups help create important social connections, as well as providing an environment where kids can gain the social, behavioral, and language skills they need to become successful learners.
In addition to reading and playgroups, many families in this rural community have also taken it upon themselves to discuss ideas and subjects that are traditionally seen as complex (often through books and news articles) with their children. While this can help instill a deep appreciation for literature, language, and culture in children, it also helps to build a strong sense of empathy and understanding. This in turn helps to create a vibrant sense of community, where everyone is seen as an equal.
Finally, the town has recently pulled together to form a free summer camp, in which children can engage in various activities and learn about topics like leadership and communication. This unique camp pairs well with the other educational efforts happening in the town, providing a full suite of activities designed to prepare students for success in the classroom.
Though the efforts of this special community, children in this particular Idaho town can look forward to brighter futures, and the community as a whole can look to a stronger, more educated tomorrow.
Through dedication to “read, talk, and play”, this unique town is an example of how citizens can come together to make a positive impact on their community. These efforts are prime example for residents of other places who may be looking for ways to mobilize their community and make a lasting change. By providing their children with the necessary resources and engaging in conversations about topics that may be new to them, families can enable their children to do their best in the classroom and beyond, while also contributing to the bigger conversation in our society. It’s a beautiful example of how one town can become stronger and larger than any of us could imagine. #ReadingTalkPlaying
