To better succeed in school, kids ages 0–6 need to acquire early literacy skills. And, a new way of encouraging that is coming to Dakota County's Wescott Library. On Nov. 10, Dakota County's Wescott Library, 1340 Wescott Road, Eagan, will celebrate the opening of the Play and Learn Zone from 4:30 to 5 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
The Play and Learn Zone encourages kids to love books, use books, learn words, know letters, hear sounds and tell stories. All of these are important in building language and literacy, important skills kids need for school.
The new area includes an airplane cockpit, a delivery truck and a fishing boat. The environment encourages interaction between kids and caregivers. The Play and Learn Zone is designed to develop early literacy skills like: developing an interest in books, understanding that print has meaning, noticing print everywhere, knowing the names of things, being able to describe things and tell stories. The new area is a combination of the best elements of children's museum environments and librarian's literary expertise.
The Play and Learn Zone was created through a partnership with Hennepin County Library, the St. Paul Public Library and the Minnesota Children's Museum. It was funded by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
