'Tell Me a Story' attracts young readers

By Katja PinkstonDecember 4, 2014

usa image
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
usa image
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

WIESBADEN, Germany -- More than 40 families gathered for "Tell Me A Story" on Nov. 16 at Hainerberg Elementary School to enjoy an afternoon devoted to the promotion of literacy through reading, discussions, and crafts.

Maj. Gen. Walter E. Piatt, Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Army Europe, read "Zen Shorts," a delightful tale that challenges three siblings to reexamine their habits and ideas. Kalah Williams, an eighth-grader, enjoyed that the general took the time to read and ask for opinions atthe end of the reading.

"I loved having the opportunity to spend time with the families of the Wiesbaden community. In my role as the DCG, I travel a lot throughout Europe, so it was wonderful to be able to interact with children and their parents outside the office in a fun and inspiring way," said Piatt.

According to Piatt, the biggest benefit for families is that TMAS builds community while encouraging

education and creative learning. "The families are able to spend time together and meet other

members of the Wiesbaden community who value education," Piatt said.

After the reading, participants divided into different groups for facilitated discussions led by volunteers.

"I really liked that the panda gave his only robe to the thief because I've never seen anybody do that," said Taize Fajardo, a second-grader.

In addition, TMAS inspires families to incorporate reading into their daily lives to build strong reading skills.

Chereen Bell explained that her daughter loves to read and that it was a good opportunity to come and listen to somebody else read a book.

"I also think that it is a great opportunity for the community to get everybody together to share a good story," Bell added.

Families also had the opportunity to create a variety of crafts that related to themes in the featured book. "I liked the story and making the umbrella," said Samya Williams, a first-grader.

TMAS is a program launched by the Military Child Education Coalition in 2005. Its goal is to empower

military children to build resiliency skills, strengthen peer and parent connections, and instill a sense of pride and accomplishment. The MCEC selects TMAS books that address these characteristics. The Wiesbaden Parent to Parent team, which is part of the MCEC, organized the event.

The Wiesbaden Community Spouses Club donated money to buy a copy of the featured book for every attending family, and participants had the chance to get it signed by Piatt. Jennifer Miller, Hainerberg Elementary School PTO President, accepted a signed copy of the book from Federica LeMauk, Wiesbaden Parent to Parent team member, for the school's library.

Related Links:

U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden