'Moving' words capture kids' attention

By Mr. Kevin Stabinsky (IMCOM)May 10, 2010

'Moving' words capture kids' attention
Kisha Jennings, Army Community Services relocation readiness program manager, reads “We’re Moving” by Heather Maisher to children in the Fort McPherson Child Development Center Preschool 3 class April 30. The event was created to help children prepa... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

ATLANTA -- Moving can be a big undertaking, sometimes leading Families to forget about how it affects the little ones in their lives.

To help children of Fort McPherson and Fort Gillem Families prepare for the upcoming Base Realignment and Closure Act, Kisha Jennings, Army Community Services relocation readiness program manager, and Ledell Simpson, Fort McPherson and Fort Gillem Survivor Outreach Services support coordinator, read books to children in the Child Development Center Preschool 3 class April 30.

Jennings, who read "We're Moving" by Heather Maisher, thought of the idea and chose the books because they were age and subject appropriate for the children.

"They're pertinent books showing what kids go through," she said. "I hope they see moving is not all bad."

Simpson, who read "Moving House" by Anne Civardi, echoed similar statements.

He said he hopes that through the presentation, the children saw that moving can be a fun opportunity to meet new friends and get a new house.

Jennings also left moving related activity/coloring books and crayons for the children to use during school to further help them understand moving.

The program was the first of many Jennings has planned to help Families cope with the inevitable move.

In June, when she said most transitions occur, Jennings plans to have a program running that addresses the concerns and questions of Families.

Barbara Howard, CDC director, said the program was very good for the children, who received the guest very well.

"It was fun for them to see someone different," she said. "The kids love stories, and anytime someone new comes in to read, it is a good experience. It motivates the kids to ask questions and exercise their brains."

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