ALTOONA, IA (February 7, 2023) – Iowa State University (ISU) Extension and Outreach in Polk County will offer a special ‘teaser’ session of Our Bookshelf to preview the program as well as kickoff the March observances of Read Across Iowa and National Literacy Month. Our Bookshelf is a virtual program in which parents of preschoolers learn skills to provide their children with early literacy and language experiences that lead to school readiness. 

“Read Across Iowa starts March 1 so we’re excited that Our Bookshelf can be a part of this monthlong observance,” Michelle Schott, family wellbeing educator for ISU Extension in Polk County said. “Our Bookshelf helps parents learn the importance of early literacy and provides them with fun ways to instill the love of reading with their child.”

According to the Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation, a Read Across Iowa partner, reading to children and having books in the home is a strong predictor of later success. Our Bookshelf program supports early literacy by engaging participants in 30-minute virtual sessions where they learn techniques for reading aloud, create regular book-sharing routines, and develop positive interactions around books. 

The teaser session will be offered on Saturday, February 25 from 10-10:30 a.m. for Spanish speakers and Sunday, March 5 from 4-4:30 p.m. for English speakers. Those enrolled in the teaser session will receive a free book and reading guide, however registration is required. Parents or caregivers interested in Our Bookshelf must register online by February 24 for the Spanish session or March 4 for English. More information can be found by reaching out to Schott at mim@iastate.edu or at 515-664-8272.

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About Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in Polk County 
For over 100 years, ISU Extension and Outreach in Polk County has served its residents by connecting them to research and resources developed by Iowa State University. Knowledge and programs offered through the ISU Extension Polk County office have been specifically tailored to represent, enhance, and meet the needs of Polk County residents and community. For 2023 ISU Extension in Polk County will focus on local issues including: K-12 youth outreach; family and food; and agriculture and the environment. ISU Extension and Outreach in Polk County is a part of a 99-county campus backed by research to serve all Iowans to create a strong Iowa.