byA’ndrea McAdams
Special to TownTalk News
Info@www.towntalkradio.com
On Wednesday, April 27, 2016, the Yoakum County Library in Plains hosted a water conservation program tailored for children of all ages. In honor of Soil and Water Stewardship Week (April 24 – May 1, 2016), Michelle Cooper, the Education & Outreach Coordinator for the Southern Ogallala Conservation & Outreach Program, presented an informative and fun event. Beginning the time with an overview of the calendar, discussing the weather, and saying pledges, the youngsters also enjoyed a quick water-cycle-friendly song, “Baby Shark” before Mrs. Cooper took the stage.
Mrs. Cooper addressed a wide variety of conservation topics using a diverse media range of visual illustrations, including print and digital. A couple of beautifully-illustrated books were read by Mrs. Cooper to the rain-cloud-hunting youngsters: “Cloud Dance” and “Water Dance.” The children also learned about an aquifer with a hand-held visual clue of pebbles; it is NOT a big lake underground. While discussing the importance of water-saving methods, Mrs. Cooper shared some interesting statistics. She encouraged all the attendees that small efforts will result in a sizeable amount of water-waste reductions. Those in attendance today were Savannah & Samuel Sumners, Knox & Lathe Corn, Ethan Moya, Emily Eubanks, Johan Neudorf, Ben & Gershom McAdams, Nataly Cerritos, Nathan McAdams, and Ansony & Bryson Garcia.
Giving the children a hands-on approach, the group felt different types of potting soil, as well as planting some wildflower seeds in individual biodegradable pots as a take-home activity. Along with a water cup and plenty of paper helps, the children also got an “Aqua Cop” sticker to remind them to be a home water monitor! The door prize this month was “Biscuit in the City” and was won by Ella Bearden.
StoryTime is open to children of all ages, from birth on up. This weekly program will enhance language skills through a variety of senses and engage children in a lifetime of literacy. According to the American Library Association & American Academy of Pediatrics (Aug 2014 publication), 5 out of 5 pediatricians agree that reading aloud to children supports healthy brain development. Come join the StoryTime at the Yoakum County Library in Plains on Wednesdays at 10am.
