"Bookworm Bob" Literacy Bus driving into Dodge

  The Bright Beginnings Early Childhood Center and Kansas Family Literacy Foundation will be introducing the "Bookworm Bob" Literacy Bus to Dodge City next week.
  One of the objectives of the Bright Beginnings pre-kindergarten program is to get an early start on literacy. Although the school educates more than 300 children, from infants to 4-year-olds, some children remain on the school's waiting list.
  "The bookworm bus is another way to meet the needs of the community and encourage early literacy for those who don't attend Bright Beginnings," said Jeanie Zortman, disabilities coordinator for the school.
   The bright orange and polka-dot exterior of the bus is covered with eye-catching artwork to attract a young audience. Inside, the seats and windows were removed, and carpet and decorations were added to create a cozy classroom environment.
  The bus is also equipped with a generator to provide air conditioning, lighting and computer access for its many planned activities, including story time, interactive games, puppet shows and PowerPoint and video presentations. 
   The construction of the bus allows it to easily transform to fit several educational themes. Children can learn about safety signals one day and read about farm animals the next.
  While many books for 1- to 3-year-olds are available in the bus, children of all ages are welcome to attend.
    Parents are also encouraged to visit the literacy bus to receive information about the Dodge City public library and school system, read with their children and participate in adult literacy programs.
  "The bus is equipped with Rosetta Stone English-language software for adults," said Marc Woofter, Bright Beginnings' principal. "It is extremely important to have the parents involved."
  Zortman also thinks parental involvement is a key component in getting children excited about reading. 
  "If the child sees their parent reading, they are more likely to pick up a book themselves," Zortman said. 
  This summer the Bright Beginnings bus will be visiting many parks and other areas in the community, where it will have indoor and outdoor activities. 
  During the school year, the Family Advocates from the Learning Resource Center will take the bus into the community on Wednesday mornings and afternoons.
  "We don't know what else this could turn into," Woofter said. "In the future, it could become an after-school tutor facility and more."
   
Reach Cherise Forno at (620) 408-9931 or e-mail her at t.cherise.forno@dodgeglobe.com.