STOUGHTON - The Stoughton Public Library, along with libraries in Kipling, Whitewood, Estevan, Weyburn and Moosomin, will be offering a new six-week program called 1, 2 Buckle my Shoe.
Morgan Kelly, the community services manager for the Southeast Regional Library, has been very busy getting this program up and running in the area.
It started in Saskatoon, called READ Saskatoon. Although the two-day training course may have been done in person, they opted to do the one-day training program online.
“We have six people trained for the job, but we will be training more as time goes on,” Kelly said.
It is a three-year contract for the program, so many more need to be trained.
This 1, 2 Buckle my Shoe program is math-based for children ages three to five years, along with their parents and caregivers to offer guidance.
It is to help children learn math basics in a fun manner, within a story. Kelly used the three bears as an example. Papa Bear would eat how much porridge, using measurements to explain, and then compare it to what Mama Bear would eat.
At present, Stoughton Library manager Rheanelle Callsas is on a parental leave, which has put branch assistant manager Holly Fraser holding down the fort until a temporary manager is in place.
The six-week program will run weekly from May 11 until June 15. Sessions will last for two hours, but it is not just for the youngsters. Parents and caregivers will also have separate classes. It will help them with ideas and exercises to do at home.
Counting, measuring, shapes and much more will be offered for these little people. All in preparation of the big step into kindergarten, and to help them enjoy the fundamentals of math. If you wish to sign up for this program with your child, contact your local library.
“April was a harsh month for weather, so hopefully people will start getting out more,” said Fraser.
This winter did seem to go on and on.
The Southeast Regional Library’s area stretches from Ogema in the west all way east to the Manitoba border. It then goes north to Rocanville across to Regina, down to the south. It houses 47 full-service libraries and two community branches. Many of the libraries are having staffing issues, which they hope to get resolved in the near future.
Stoughton’s library is also having staffing issues, so they had to cut their hours. The library is located on a busy corner on the Main Street in Stoughton, right by the town office. The library will be open Tuesdays 2-5 p.m. and 5:30-8 p.m. On Wednesdays and Thursdays, the hours will be 9 a.m.-1 p.m., and 2-5 p.m. These hours will hopefully change with staffing.
Although the hours had to change, it is their plan to offer programs for all ages, including an adult literacy program, and group gatherings for teens and adults. The volunteer program is always looking for help and more information can be found at the library.
They are also willing to locate books for individuals, and they will bring it to the library closest to you for pickup.
