First 5 San Bernardino prepared pre-schoolers for school at the Upland YMCA Early Childhood Development Center. Through our annual Gift a Kid a Book campaign, 40 children received a free book and other goodies at a pop-up lemonade stand to say goodbye to summer.
The pre-schoolers went home with the classic children’s book “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie,” along with a cookie! Gift a Kid a Book encourages parents and caregivers to give their children a book — instead of toys — for life’s special occasions, like going back to school. There is no better gift you can give to your child than the gift of learning, and by incorporating books into a routine, getting little ones ready for school is even easier.
Science data shares that 90% of a child’s brain develops in the first five years of their life. Reading plays a crucial role in brain development and the way children view learning is shaped very early on. Taking time to read to a child is also critical to developing social-emotional learning skills because the time together reinforces the importance of attentiveness and learning that will benefit them as they start school.
Helping lead the fun at the Upland YMCA was San Bernardino County entertainer Markus Law, who did a book reading and sing along with the preschoolers. First 5 San Bernardino’s mascot Potter the Otter was on hand to greet the kids and be part of the festivities.
More than 10,000 books have been gifted to San Bernardino County children through First 5 San Bernardino’s annual Gift a Kid a Book campaign. Visit our reading webpage at first5sanbernardino.org/reading for a list of book recommendations by age, a free downloadable bookmark and more important reading resources.