Programs encourage kids to read
Jeromy and Tommy Kruse are enthusiastic readers and writers, thanks in part to a reading project from Wisconsin Public Television, the Wisconsin Association for Home and Community Education, and UW-Extension Family Living Program and children's programs that air on WPT.
Photo by Jim Gill
Portage youngsters Tommy and Jeromy Kruse recently received recognition in the 2006 Reading Rainbow Young Writers & Illustrators contest sponsored by Wisconsin Public Television (WPT) and the Wisconsin Educational Communications Board. This was Tommy's third win.
The contest, open to youngsters in kindergarten through third grade, encourages children to write and illustrate their own stories. It's just one way WPT promotes literacy.
In preschool the Kruses participated in the Wisconsin First Book program, which will soon change its name to Wisconsin Bookwormsª. "I wanted to do everything I could to help my children develop good reading skills. I also had the opportunity to discuss and analyze each book they read and that was good for me too. Now, even in the summer we find a way to fit in reading," says Nancy Kruse, the boys' mother.
Each month of the school year, volunteer readers bring children a new book and educational materials. In 2005-06, University of Wisconsin-Extension partners WPT and Family Living Programs joined the Wisconsin Association for Home and Community Education in providing books to more than 6,000 children in 56 counties. — Lynn Brockmeyer
For more information: http://www.wpt.org/kids