Reading event invites children to dream about their futures

NonprofitEducation

Jun 17

Written By Staff

On June 29, nonprofit THE PLAYGROUNDgr and Grand Rapids Lit Fest will host Dream Big, a free literacy and play experience for children and families from 4 to 6 p.m. at Houseman Playground, 162 Houseman Ave. NE. The event will bring together local authors, educators, and community organizations to encourage children to dream about their futures while connecting them with real-life resources and role models who can help those dreams become a reality.

"Play and storytelling help children imagine possibilities for themselves," said Jacqueline Scherer, Executive Director of THE PLAYGROUNDgr. "When children can see themselves reflected in books and connect with caring adults who are doing meaningful work in their community, it expands their sense of what is possible. Dream Big is designed to spark imagination while helping children understand that they already have a community of people who believe in them."

Children and their families will dive into hands-on activity stations, with each experience designed to connect their dreams with practical pathways for achieving them.

Dream Big Experiences Include:

Dream Big using PLAY! - Hosted by THE PLAYGROUNDgr: Children and families will engage in playful activities to help open their minds and imaginations
Could you Be…A Principal or School Leader? - Hosted by Grand Rapids Public Schools: Children can connect with educational leaders to see if that is a dream that appeals to them.
Could You Be…. A Community Organizer? - Hosted by Midtown Neighborhood Association: Children will learn how neighborhood organizers help bring people together and create positive change.
Could You Be…. An Author or Storyteller? - Hosted by Sylvan Learning: Real authors LaTashia Perry and Janaya Jones will read their books about dreaming big and using affirmations to make your dreams come true.
How to Finance Your Dreams - Hosted by Lake Michigan Credit Union (LMCU) and Michael Hyacinthe: Children will learn how saving, budgeting and financial literacy can help turn dreams into reality through a live reading of Wimee Learns Money, plus explore the career path of banking.
Using Mindfulness to Help You Succeed - Hosted by a local Yoga Instructor: Children will participate in mindfulness and movement activities that they can use to support lifelong success.
Eat Your Way to Your Brightest Future - Hosted by the YMCA Veggie Van: Families will learn about healthy foods, nutrition, and the role wellness plays in achieving goals.

Dream Big is free and open to the public. Free copies of featured books will be available while supplies last, and authors will be available for book signings following each reading.

Grand Rapids Lit Fest is a multi-day festival held across the city from June 22-29 that celebrates the book-loving community. Events will include children’s story hour, author talks, author/genre discussion panels, and multiple book fairs.

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