‘Read and Romp – Tuscaloosa’ is an exciting family literacy event coming to Government Plaza on Saturday, May 20th.

The day’s free activities will run from 9 am until noon and will cater to children 3-­5 years of age and their families.

A press release from Alabama Project LAUNCH states,

At Read and Romp – Tuscaloosa, children will engage in fun, learning-based activities themed around favorite children’s books.  Children will leave the event with goodies they have created from an activity at each station, along with a stamped passport and FREE books.  By associating fun-filled activities with reading, parents will learn ways to engage with their child on the life-long journey of learning at an early age. This level of engagement at a young age will help increase their children’s success in school.

While centered on a book theme, each station is staffed by organizations and businesses that are child-focused, providing families an opportunity to learn about activities that will enhance the development and education of their young children. So far we have 10 organizations providing amazing hands-on fun activity stations.  For example, at the Tuscaloosa Public Library station children will create friendship bracelets based on the Princess Sophia book “Best Friends.” Last year at the Bama Bounders station, children enjoyed a bounce house based on the book, 5 Little Monkeys.  Families will also enjoy face painting, character visits, and free beverages provided by Buffalo Rock Pepsi.

‘Read and Romp – Tuscaloosa’ was started by the national Reach Out and Read organization in Boston and is unique in that it is a collaboration of organizations that have early childhood literacy and family engagement as priorities.

Other, local organizations involved in 2nd annual ‘Read and Romp – Tuscaloosa’ are: Reach Out and Read-Alabama, Alabama Project LAUNCH, The Tuscaloosa Public Library, United Way’s Success by 6, and Alabama Public Television.

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