Lemonade and a book, anyone? First 5 San Bernardino hosted a lemonade stand at the Upland YMCA Early Childhood Development Center and presented 40 preschoolers with a copy of If You Give a Mouse a Cookie as part of the Gift a Kid a Book campaign. The message behind the event is to encourage parents and caregivers to give their children a book — instead of toys or sweets — for life’s special occasions, like going back to school.
“Our book giveaway is a reminder to San Bernardino County families that you can gift a kid a book for any of a child’s milestones, like tying their shoes, for their birthday or to get them excited for school,” said First 5 San Bernardino Deputy Director Scott McGrath. “There is no better gift you can give to your child than the gift of learning, and by incorporating books into your routine, getting your little one ready for school will be even easier. Our lemonade-stand book giveaway today just lit-up the faces of these preschoolers!”
Data shows that 90 percent of a child’s brain develops in the first 5 years of their life. Reading plays a crucial role in brain development and the way children view learning is shaped very early on. Taking time to read to a child is also critical to developing social-emotional learning skills because the time together reinforces the importance of attentiveness and learning that will benefit them as they start school.
Helping with the fun at the Upland YMCA was San Bernardino County entertainer Markus Law, who did a book reading and singalong with the preschoolers. First 5 San Bernardino mascot Potter the Otter was on hand to greet the kids and be a part of the festivities.
More than 10,000 books have been gifted to San Bernardino County children through First 5 San Bernardino’s annual Gift a Kid a Book campaign. Visit first5sanbernardino.org/reading for a list of book recommendations by age, a free downloadable bookmark and more important reading resources.
Check out this recap video that highlights the event: https://youtu.be/OmRjvHMkv_c.
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