There is a strong correlation between literacy and poverty. According to the National Institute for Literacy, 43% of adults with very low literacy skills live in poverty. The foundation for successful reading is built in the early years when a young child’s brain is highly responsive and attuned to learning language. In fact, if a child is not reading at grade level by the end of first grade, he has only about 10% chance of reading at grade level by the end of fourth grade.
Research has shown that familiarity with Mother Goose and other nursery rhymes helps children to develop pre-reading skills, the first step in becoming successful readers. As children hear, sing or read nursery rhymes, they develop “phonemic awareness” or the ability to detect the individual sounds that make up words, which is a crucial first step in learning to read. Nursery rhymes, especially Mother Goose rhymes, also introduce children to new vocabulary words that increase comprehension. Children joyfully engage in rhyme activities, which foster an enduring enthusiasm for books and reading.
MicheLee Puppets has partnered with Head Start of Orange County to create Rhyme Time, a series of puppet shows that introduce pre-reading skills through puppetry, music, and student participation. These delightful puppet shows are staged on colorful, over-sized pop-up-books created by MicheLee Puppets.
MicheLee Puppets will join three Head Start Centers to celebrate the 18th Annual Guest Readers Week March 16, 2015 to March 19, 2015 at all Head Start Centers.
To book a performance for your children call Denise Lucich at 407-898-7925 x1.