Some bouncy kindergarteners are coming to visit the library this week and we couldn’t be more excited! Our Valley is so fortunate to have teachers in all grades who invest so much time and energy into inspiring children to be curious. It is evident that they take this responsibility very seriously. Of course, this is besides educating them on fundamental skills, such as reading, writing, math, sciences, and overall learning in a social context. Nadyia, who has recently returned from maternity leave to Eileen Madson Primary School, has jumped into teaching kindergarten after having a grade one class for years. She shared that the curriculum has changed and now provides more opportunities for Ks to learn and experience more about our community. Altogether, they have three field trip days this year. Visiting places like the Post Office, the Fire Station, and the Town Office have been so fun and enlightening. Doors have been graciously opened to offer students a behind-the-scenes perspective on the everyday operations. So even if they know these places exist, now they’re learning what actually happens there, who works there and how important they are in our Valley. Being there physically, and interacting with the staff really cements the foundation, and they will have these memories for years. Nadyia tells me that the students just love it and you can see the wheels turning as they think and dream about one day maybe working in one of these facilities, or how cool it would be to master one of their skills.
The library offers tours and a story time to students in a range of different ages throughout the school year. We just ask that appointments are booked in advance. Upon their school visit, students explore all the areas of the library, from book sections to DVDs, magazines, reference, our multi-purpose printer, 3D printer, and public access computers. They learn that never-ending knowledge and resources can always be at their fingertips. This promotes lifelong curiosity, learning, and a motivation and passion for improved literacy. Additionally, Kitty, our library dog is always a hit.
-Keara Moore
Family Programs Coordinator
Invermere Public Library