MUSKEGON, Mich. — One of the best ways to grow children into readers is to foster a lifelong love of learning.
There’s a project in Muskegon that’s doing just that and they’re starting very young.
The Little Learners program at the Muskegon Museum of History and Science is a FREE literacy-based program for Muskegon County infants and toddlers, ages zero to four.
On the second and fourth Thursday of every month children participate in story time and then play time. Each session, they receive a new book.
Every couple of months the designated theme changes.
In May and June it’s shapes.
July and August is water.
Hearing the use of language during story time, and then doing thematic crafts or other hands-on play sets the roots for reading at a tender age.
According to Program Specialist, Wendy Van Woerkom, “it’s a way to get kids excited about books. It’s a way to help teach caregivers to read books with their kids and make them interactive and exciting.”
And, she said, “the earlier you can get kids reading and ready for school, it’s so important in the development of their language skills and having them be lifelong readers.” Van Woerkom said reading doesn’t have to be a chore.
It’s fun and exciting for kids at every level of development and programs like Little Learners make it that way.
Little Learners is one of many “Play and Learn Programs” in Muskegon County where books are given away:
YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMS
MADL Muskegon Township Play & Learn- 1st and 3rd Wednesday evenings, 4:30-6 pm with dinner at
1910 E Apple Ave D, Muskegon, MI 49442. Registration is requested at MADL.org/calendar. (231) 760-4329.
Orchard View MORNING Learn, Play & Grow - 2 Wednesdays each month, 10:30 am- Noon with lunch
at 1765 Ada Ave, 49442. 6/19,7/10, 7/24, 8/7, 8/21 & 9/18. Call for details. 231-760-1481.
Lakeshore Museum Center- 2nd and 4th Thursdays year-round, except November. 10:00-11:00. 430
W. Clay. Registration required. Call 231-722-0278.
Connection Point Learn, Play & Grow- 2nd & 4th Mondays in June, July & August, 10-11 am. Every
Wednesday 10-11 am beginning in September. 2270 S. Mill Iron Rd. 769-2323.
Read Muskegon - Call for details about ABC’s of Cooking, Art & Music Classes, Grow a Little Reader,
tutoring, and more! Multiple times and locations! 231-747-7273
Laundromats - Take-home kits. Pick up any day, 9 AM - 9 PM. Suds of West Michigan, 2719 Sanford
Street, OR Sunshine Laundromat, 2300 Glade Street, 231-299-0182.
LIBRARY FUN! 16 Muskegon County Library Locations with Summer Reading Programs, Storytime, 123
Play with Me, Family Fun, Crafts, and More! Text or call 231-299-0182 for more information.
SCHOOL-YEAR-ONLY PROGRAMS
Orchard View EVENING Learn, Play & Grow - 2nd & 4th Wednesday evenings each month, September
- May, 4:30-6 pm with dinner at 1765 Ada Ave, 49442. Call for details. 231-760-1481.
Reeths Puffer Play and Learn- McMillan Early Childhood Center, Sept.- May. NO Summer., 2885 Hyde
Park Rd, Muskegon, MI 49445. Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, 9:30 -11 am, Call (231)-766-3443
ext.2620.
Nelson Elementary Learn, Play & Grow - Every Thursday & Friday thru May, 2024. 10:30 am - Noon. 550
W Grand Ave, Muskegon, MI 49441. Call or text 231-299-0182.
Kingdom Embassy, Call 231-736-9254 to sign up. Tuesdays through September -May @ 5 pm. 3025
Glenside Blvd, 49441, FREE Pizza Dinner included!
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