Read Across Iowa Celebrations Planned in Polk County

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Read Across Iowa Celebrations Planned in Polk County

Read Across Iowa launched March 1 and is the start of a month-long celebration to bring the joys of reading to kids of all ages. Read Across Iowa virtual events will be held in Polk County, and across the state, and will feature books and materials about agriculture that will appeal to all readers.

Iowa State University (ISU) Extension and Outreach in Polk County will host a series of Facebook Live events called Read Together. Grow Together. Once a week starting Wednesday, March 10 children will hear a story, staff will lead a hands-on activity, and participants can register to win a free book. March 17 will feature a bilingual book, read aloud in Spanish, as well.

Interested parents and caregivers can join any or all of the Read Together. Grow Together. Facebook live events by clicking the links below or following on Facebook @isueopoolk. Live read alouds begin at 3:30 p.m. and will include the following titles:

March 10 (http://ow.ly/DwsC50DCNPK)

Aunite Yang’s Soybean Picnic by Ginnie Lo

March 17 (http://ow.ly/zrGe50DCNSz)

Carlos and the Cornfield by Jan Romero Stevens

March 24 (http://ow.ly/PRjg50DCNXt)

Full of Beans: Henry Ford Grows a Car by Peggy Thomas

March 31 (http://ow.ly/W0EJ50DCNZk)

My Family’s Soybean Farm by Katie Olthoff

“When you read with children, you are making an investment in your child’s future,” said Madisen Gaskin, Polk County 4-H County Youth Coordinator. “While we are happy to engage elementary aged youth in our upcoming Facebook read alouds, we are also excited that the Read Across Iowa will offer information and literacy tips for caring adults to nurture a love of reading.”

Read Across Iowa is organized as a collaborative effort between the Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Iowa 4-H Youth Development and the Iowa State Education Association.

Some books and materials were provided by donations and grants from Dollar General, GROWMARK, the National Education Association, Iowa State University College of Human Sciences, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach 4-H Youth Development and other partners of the Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation.

To learn more about Read Across Iowa visit https://www.iowaagliteracy.org/Tools-Resources/Other/Read-Across-Iowa. To learn more about other youth, health, and family programming available throughout the year, visit www.extension.iastate.edu/polk.

Did you know? Asking questions before reading a book is one way to boost valuable skills gained through reading aloud to children!

As you read, pause when you reach a new or newer word and ask your child if they can tell you what it means! If you haven’t already introduced this word take a moment to explain this new word.

Remember to take a few moments to talk about what you and your children read. It will give a boost to their reading comprehension skills! Help them connect the story or the characters to the children’s life and they’ll have a brand-new understanding! Follow ISU Extension and Outreach in Polk County on Facebook (@isueopolk) for more reading tips.

About ISU Extension and Outreach in Polk County

For over 100 years, ISU Extension and Outreach in Polk County has served its residents by connecting them to research and resources developed by Iowa State University. Knowledge and programs offered through the Polk County Extension office have been specifically tailored to represent, enhance and meet the needs of local residents and community. For 2021 ISU Extension and Outreach, Polk County will focus on K-12 youth outreach; health, well-being, and nutrition; and agriculture and natural resources. ISU Extension and Outreach in Polk County is part of a 99-county campus serving all Iowans to create a strong Iowa.