The Cottonwood Extension District, in partnership with the Hays Public Library, will host a free educational program on Emergent Literacy on Wednesday, April 25, 1:30-2:30 pm in the Schmidt Gallery at the Hays Public Library, 1205 Main Street, Hays.

Dr. Bradford Wiles, Extension Child Development specialist, will be the guest speaker for this program which is suitable for parents, grandparents, child care providers and early childhood professionals.

According to Dr Wiles, children become readers and writers though a continuous developmental process called ‘emergent literacy’. While each person learns to read differently, research shows that building emergent literacy skills can be done intentionally and provides great fun for both the adult and child. The most important aspect of the process is to read WITH the child, as opposed to reading TO the child. Join us for this free program to learn how it is done.

Pre-registration is helpful to ensure adequate program materials. Call the Hays office of the Cottonwood Extension District at 785-628-9430 to sign up for this program and learn to set the stage for future development of the children in your life.