A push for improved early childhood literacy has Mesquite taking creative steps to help ensure kids do not fall behind during summer break.
The Read Play Talk program, a research-based, community-supported district initiative, provides novel approaches to motivate reading among kids ages six and up. This summer, the program chartered a “pop-up” mobile bus decked out for fun, full of games, books, arts and crafts, couches, and other materials for interactive learning.
The pop-up bus comes to specific locations around the district to provide local children an opportunity to engage with learning and reading outside the regular school year in ways they may not be able to otherwise.
The Mesquite community funded the initiative, with community liaison for the district Lindsay Paris rallying local businesses, organizations, and social clubs to sponsor the program in its entirety.
Promoting literacy is not the only aim of the program. Initiatives like the Read Play Talk bus stimulate kids intellectually through games, puzzles, and creative activities. For instance, one side of the bus is set up for children to experiment with and learn about magnets.
Each pop-up event has featured free books and learning materials for children to take home and continue their intellectual growth.
The program also seeks to get parents involved in their children’s learning by providing a fun space to explore new ideas, play interactive games, and bond. Kids also have the opportunity to hang out and socialize outside of the school setting.
The next and final stop for the Read Play Talk pop-up bus this summer is scheduled for Saturday, July 23, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at KidQuest Playground, located at 1625 Gross Rd. in Mesquite. Food and recreation will be provided, and registration is free.
The Read Play Talk program offers more than just the pop-up bus. It also organizes classes for parents, guest speakers and demonstrations by community members with the Mesquite police and fire departments, and story time events.
Visit the program’s Facebook page to see a full list of this summer’s remaining events.