It's Fall, Y'all!

Horizons in Hemophilia, October 2009

Kim Wilson, Camp & Activities Coordinator

It’s my favorite time of year.  School is back in session!  It’s been a few years since I’ve been in school, but I can still smell the sharpened pencils and the mystery meat lunch special.  I remember the sound of sneakers on the hallway tiles, and hear the crack of the binding of a brand new textbook as I open it.  I remember the anticipation, anxiety, and excitement of the first day of school. 

I understand that many students do not approach their education with the excitement that I did.  But, I also understand that I had some wonderful teachers who made learning fun, and I had parents who believed in the value of education and were committed to instilling that value in me. 

Both of my parents worked full time, but there was always time set aside to help me with my homework or to read together.  My sister and I would sit at my father’s feet while he read the Chronicles of Narnia to us.  When we were older, he would help us sound out the words so we could be the “reader.” 

We did not have a lot of money, so we did not go out to eat very often.  There was a reading program at school that offered students a small pizza for reading ten books in one month.  I was motivated to read those books!

Do you know about the literacy programs in your community?  Here are some links for you to check out.  The Ferst Foundation has partnered with Dolly’s Imagination Library to offer a program to several counties in the state of Georgia.  This program provides one free book per month from the time your child is born until the child turns five.  You can also check out programs offered through your local library. Georgia Public Broadcasting has a website with all kinds of games and interactive activities for you and your child to do together to promote learning.

https://ferstfoundation.org/default.htm
https://www.gpb.org/familyliteracy/kids
https://literacyvolunteerprogram.org
https://www.lvama.org/about.html
https://www.earlyliteracylearning.org/index.php
https://www.education.com/
https://www.georgialibraries.org/kids/

The statement “knowledge is power” has never been more true.  As a parent, you can pave the road to success by encouraging your kids to read every chance you get.  Check out the statistics on the Ferst Foundation website.  You will be amazed at the effect reading has on a child’s ability to learn and retain knowledge.  Even if you don’t have children of your own, volunteer at the library or at a literacy or tutoring organization to bring the light of knowledge into the eyes of a child.