March 20, 2002
Reading program on right track
Hundreds hitch ride on Literacy Locomotive
By Carol South
Herald contributing writer
Saturday mornings this month have been a treat for hundreds of area children, ranging from infants to preschool age.
For members of the Way to Grow program based at elementary schools throughout the Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District, a ride aboard the Literacy Locomotive meant a chance to meet some of their favorite storybook characters while getting excited about reading.
Last Saturday, more than 500 children and parents from nine area elementary schools took the trip. As the Grand Traverse Dinner Train wound along its 45-minute route, big eyes and excited smiles reigned in the four cars. Storybook characters Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz and Tinkerbell greeted the young passengers, who enjoyed a snack, coloring activity and received a book to take home.
Way to Grow coordinators came up with the Literacy Locomotive this month as a way to celebrate Literacy Month.
"All the people I've talked to said they were just thrilled, their children just loved it and it was a great way to promote reading," said Lisa Yanski, Way to Grow coordinator at Westwoods Elementary School, who had 24 families on the trip Saturday morning and a waiting list for more. "They said it was a great family time."
Many participants in the Way to Grow program appreciated the chance to meet other families in the same elementary district. This networking can help both the parents and children get ready for the big day when they start kindergarten.
"We joined to get to know the families before we go to kindergarten next year," said Carrie Bartkowiak, who came on the Literacy Locomotive with daughters Callie, 6, and Carissa, 4. "We've probably met two or three kids that will be in Carissa's grade so she'll see some friendly faces when she starts."
Geared to children ages birth through five, Way to Grow offers a variety of programs, ranging from playgroups based at the school, music, field trips and the in-home Parents as Teachers. A $5 million grant from the Michigan Department of Education funded the program, which began last fall.
Each elementary school becomes a hub for the families in their area, with the goal of preparing children for school at a time when they are primed to learn.
"They really have great activities all around town," Bartkowiak said. "We also rode the train at Christmas with Santa."
The Hill family attended the Literacy Locomotive en masse: parents Darla and Greg with daughters Haven, 3, and Sage, 1 for the ride. As they talked with nearby parents and began making new friends, Darla Hill was pleased to see the program in action.
"It is exciting to see the grant in action, they go all out with the programs," said Darla Hill, who regularly attends playgroups and storytime at the Old Mission Peninsula School. "We've met quite a few families of the same age."
The Way to Grow program has been very popular since it began. At Westwoods, more than 50 families participate and coordinator Yanski hears many positive comments from parents and children alike.
"The families I am working with are just very supportive and very appreciative of all the things we're doing," she said. "They tell me how much their kids love to be here and that they cry when they leave. The program is definitely serving its purpose to familiarize the families with the school and assist families in a lot of different components."