New educational book clubs at Sands Point Preserve will help children in grades pre-K through 5 discover a love of reading books and poetry through dramatic enactments, dancing, artwork and outdoor exploration outside of school and among friends.
The Book Blossoms and The Book Buds start March 21 with a series of 10 weekly sessions at the preserve. Led by experienced teachers, the book clubs—Book Blossoms is for girls, Book Buds for boys, though coed groups can also be formed—cover two to five books per season, as well as poetry.
“As all children learn differently, we utilize all their senses by incorporating art, drama, dance, reading and writing,” said Sharon Marcus, the program’s founder. “We bring in special guests such as choreographers, authors and actors who will bring the stories to life via different creative mediums.”
The Preserve’s environment can inspire young imaginations. “We are very happy to present this new literacy program at the Preserve, where the Phil Dejana Learning Center and Outdoor Classroom as well as our mansions and grounds offer the perfect settings to support creative ways of learning,” said the Preserve’s Managing Director Beth Horn.
In addition to being a source for entertainment, reading teaches children about the world around them, both near and far, experts say. It also helps them build vocabulary, perform better in school and develop empathy. And studies show that when a love of reading is fostered in children, they see it as a joy, rather than a chore.
Each club is limited to 8 to 12 children, allowing teachers room for flexibility and to individualize the programs based on abilities.
A 12-month Sands Point Preserve membership is required to enroll in the 10-week program, which allows access onto the grounds. For additional information about Book Blossoms and Book Buds, or to purchase the newly available 12-month membership, go to www.theasandspointpreserve
.com, call 516-571-7901 or visit the Gate House at 127 Middle Neck Rd.
Friends of the Sands Point Preserve is a nonprofit organization with the mission to protect and preserve the 216-acre waterfront grounds and historic mansions and to provide a range of cultural arts events and educational programs for families and schools in the Phil Dejana Learning Center and Outdoor Classroom.
