Library – Kindergarten Tour & Update

This week Kruu Som Ded brought his class to the library for a tour. We have been reading books to the class to encourage the students to join, but only 3 had so far. They were very excited and all left with a library card application to take to their families. Three teachers also came and took applications with them. In April bit term begins, which is a 6 week vacation from school. During that time I have a session with the Child Development teachers on why reading to students every day is so important. It is not a common practice, never seen it or heard of it happening in my area of Thailand. The government has identified lack of libraries and lack of reading (even though most people in Thailand can read) as a priority issue to address. We’ll see!!
Update - We now have about 600 titles, 450+ English books and 125 Thai books, most of them donated! Next week I am going to Bangkok to visit Books for Thailand and to speak at the Soroptimist International Bangkok luncheon about the library. Will collect books at both events.
We opened January 13 and in less than two months now have 52 members, have given out 18 Reading Awards, and over 200 books have been checked out. We have plans to encourage active participation by teachers and contests to motivate children. We’re on our way!
Thanks for believing in the mission and generously supporting!

On the bus!

The library tour. You can see Reading Club Awards on the wall.

Playing hopscotch after the flannel story "Rain Rain Go Away" - students picked what they wanted to play after the rain and hopscotch was an option. Some of them were familiar with the game.

My favorite part!