Event makes literacy fun

By Andrea Stone (Fort Carson)March 20, 2014

Event makes literacy fun
1 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – FORT CARSON, Colo. -- Theresa LaCamera, wife of Maj. Gen. Paul J. LaCamera, commanding general 4th Infantry Division and Regional Command -- South, chats with Kyle Bourque, 7, and Nathan Bourque, 6, at Tell Me a Story Sunday. LaCamera was the guest r... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Event makes literacy fun
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Event makes literacy fun
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Event makes literacy fun
4 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – FORT CARSON, Colo. -- Volunteer Paul Yingling, a teacher at Sand Creek High School, leads a discussion on the book, "Verdi" by Janell Cannon at a literacy event March 16 at the Special Events Center. The event, Tell Me a Story, is sponsored by the Mi... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Event makes literacy fun
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FORT CARSON, Colo. -- The day before St. Patrick's Day was a good day to learn about a yellow baby snake who doesn't want to turn green.

The story, "Verdi" by Janell Cannon, was the featured book at a literacy event sponsored by the Military Child Education Coalition's Parent to Parent program. Tell Me a Story, which was at the Special Events Center Sunday, is held twice a year.

Families listened to the story, read by Theresa LaCamera, wife of Maj. Gen. Paul J. LaCamera, commanding general 4th Infantry Division and Regional Command -- South.

After the story, participants were divided into groups and facilitators led discussions on the book.

In addition to the story, attendees learned about different animals from the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo's ZOOMobile program, including a snake, skunk, lizard and turtle.

The ZOOMobile was made available through a donation from the Fort Carson Thrift Shop.

There was a craft time -- making beaded snakes -- a snack, and everyone who attended received a copy of the book.

"It was a great event," said Tracy Brown, team lead for Parent to Parent. "I think the kids are really enjoying themselves."

About 50 people attended the free event.

"I like it. It's very entertaining for them, very educational," said Jody Carpenter, Fort Carson Family member.

"It helps (my daughter) because she's shy. She opens up more during the discussion group."

On a warm almost-spring day, learning about a snake who doesn't want to grow up seemed like a good choice.

"'Verdi' was a good one to do right before spring," Brown said.