FORT EUSTIS, Va. -- Approximately 55 families gathered at General Stanford Elementary School at Fort Eustis for an evening of reading and creative activities to promote literacy during the Tell Me A Story event, Oct. 20.
Tell Me A Story is part of the Military Child Education Coalition. Its goal: Making connection and finding support through literature.
“The time spent together reading, and discussing the story’s key themes as they relate to families, along with the various hands on activities, provide quality family time while also promoting literacy,” said Kate Dunbar, a facilitator volunteer and Family Readiness Group leader for the 24th Transportation Battalion, 7th Sustainment Brigade.
The featured book, The Remarkable Farkle McBride written by John Lithgow was read to the audience by Col. Brent Penny of Training and Doctrine Command. Children and their parents sat on colorful rugs strewn across the floor of the school auditorium to listen to the tales of a boy who has a gift for music but cannot decide what it is he wants to pursue, what instrument.
Enhancing the musical theme with a performance on piano and guitar was William Ledbetter, a sophomore who attends Kikatan High School. Following the reading families were broken into groups with a facilitator to discuss choice making and behavior decisions. Once the discussion group was finished children had the opportunity to play different percussion instruments, or pick up a guitar with assistance provided by Ledbetter.
An activity table was set up giving participants the chance to color, and create their own masterpieces; an evening providing creativity for children and parents alike.
The next Tell Me A Story is scheduled for February of next year.