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State Representative David Bly
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-0171
For more information contact: Michael Howard 651-296-8873
Press/News Releases
LEGISLATIVE EARLY CHILDHOOD CAUCUS HOLDS 7TH ANNUAL READ-A-THON
Citing the benefits of reading early and often to young children, State Representative David Bly and State Representative Bud Nornes hosted the 7th Annual Early Childhood Read-a-Thon at the State Capitol today. The annual event brings together legislators from both parties of the Minnesota House and Senate to read to area pre-school students.
“It’s hard to overstate the benefits of reading to children, " said Bly, who serves on the House Early Childhood Education committee. “Just ten or fifteen minutes a day of one-on-one reading can make all the difference in the world and I’m proud to host an event that highlights the importance of preparing our children for success."
The annual event included a special appearance by Amazing Jeffo, the “World’s Most Amazing Blind Magician." Volunteers from the Children and Young People’s Section of the Minnesota Library Association, The Minnesota Children’s Museum, The Teddy Bear Band, The Minnesota Humanities Commission and Bruce the Bug Guy were on hand with games and activities for the children, and to provide early literacy resources for parents. Books and posters were given to the children from Lerner Publishing.
"You can never underestimate the importance of giving children a good start," said Representative Nornes. "This event reinforces that reading to children is a critical way to get our kids ready for school and ready to excel."
The bi-partisan Minnesota Legislative Early Childhood Caucus sponsored the Read-a-Thon. Co-chaired by Representative Sandra Peterson, Representative Randy Demmer, Senator Geoff Michel and Senator Tarryl Clark, the event is in its seventh year. It was conceived and implemented by State Representative Nora Slawik, co-founder of the caucus and chair of the House Early Childhood Learning Finance Division.
"This time of year it’s easy to get wrapped up in the fast pace of the session,” said Slawik. “But it’s nice to take a deep breath and participate in an event that reminds us why we're so committed to making sure Minnesota's youngest learners are prepared for academic success."
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For audio on this topic, please contact Catherine Thompson, Radio/Television Coordinator at catherine.thompson@house.mn or (651) 296-5499.
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