Jackson Park Born Learning Trail to be Dedicated

Jackson Park Born Learning Trail to be dedicated

ANDERSON, IN - The Born Learning Connection, West Anderson Kiwanis Club, City of Anderson Parks and Recreation, Jackson Park Group, and United Way of Madison County will dedicate Madison County’s first outdoor learning trail at Jackson Park on Saturday, April 18th at 1 p.m. Jackson Park is located at 22nd Street and Raible Avenue in Anderson. Clifford the Big Red Dog, and the Nestle Bunny will be on hand to distribute books, balloons and refreshments to children ages 0-5. The event is free and open to the public.

The Born Learning Trail is a series of nine learning activities that any adult can play with young children, including activities such as hopscotch and “Watch! Stop! Learn! Play!” The activities encourage adults to follow the child’s lead, building the child’s curiosity and confidence.  “The Born Learning Trail promotes fun and games- important components of early learning,” said Nancy Vaughan, United Way of Madison County President.  “Research tells us children are literally ‘born learning.’ That means five years of education take place before they even enter kindergarten. We know that what happens in a child’s early years matters- for success in life and for school readiness. We want to help parents, grandparents and caregivers use everyday outings- including trips to the Jackson Park Trail- to support that learning.” she stated.

The West Anderson Kiwanis Club provided the funds to purchase the trail signs and supplies. Duane Hoak, West Anderson Kiwanis Club Secretary said, “We hope the Born Learning Trail will help our community do even more to get kids off to the right start.” Healthy Families of Madison County provided financial support toward the dedication event.

The City of Anderson Parks and Recreation provided space and the labor to install the trail. Joanne Hadley, Born Learning Connection Coordinator said, “The success of the installation and dedication of the Jackson Park Born Learning Trail was made possible by the extraordinary cooperation and support from the Anderson Parks Board, staff and the Jackson Park group.”

The Anderson Public Library Book Mobile, Healthy Families of Madison County, City of Anderson Parks and Recreation, West Anderson Kiwanis Club, Jackson Park Group, Nestle employees, United Way of Madison County, Gateway Association, Head Start, Early Head Start, St. John’s Lutheran Church Early Literacy preschool, Bright Impressions preschool and Friendly Flock preschool will participate in the ribbon cutting ceremony and dedication event.

Today, in Madison County 66 percent of our children enter kindergarten behind the national average in early reading abilities.  This year a projected 900+ students will not have the necessary pre literacy skills as they enter kindergarten to be proficient readers by third grade. Our youngest children lack adequate exposure to the written and spoken word. Born Learning will work with our parents, giving them the tools and confidence they need to teach and nurture their children everyday through teachable moments.

The goal of the Born Learning Connection is to ensure all Madison County children enter school with the skills to be successful learners. Born Learning Connection made up of representatives from schools, agencies, and community partners identifies and recommends strategies to increase parental involvement in early childhood development of young children in Madison County. Strategies include: Blast Off to Kindergarten, Family Literacy Parties, Play-n-Learn Groups, Pre and Post Natal Outreach, Books for Babies and the Born Learning Trails. Born Learning Connection is a service of United Way of Madison County.

United Way of Madison County supports human services throughout Madison County, Indiana and is governed by a 24 member volunteer board of directors. The organization has been a member in good standing of United Way of America since 1973. For more information, contact 765-643-7493 or visit our Web site at www.unitedwaymadisonco.org.

Source: United Way of Madison County