Copperas Cove Library to host Parent-Child Workshops for children ages birth-3

By PAMELA GRANT
Cove Leader-Press

Starting Monday, April 22, the Copperas Cove Public Library will be hosting a series of sessions in their upcoming Family Place Libraries Parent-Child Workshops.

Each class will take place on a Monday from 2 p.m. until 3:15 p.m. The first class, on April 22, will focus on literacy. The April 29 class will focus on speech/hearing/language. The May 6 class will focus on child development. The May 13 class will focus on nutrition. The final class on May 20 will focus on music and movement. Class sizes are capped at 20 families, so if you want to guarantee your spot, it is recommended that you register early either by calling (254) 547-3826 or sending an email to keacrett@copperascovetx.gov

The five-week workshop is geared towards children from birth until three years old and their parents. Each session will connect the parents with a community resource professional. The children will be able to participate in a variety of play and exploration activities with various learning components with a focus on language.

Families can show up to any session, but would not be guaranteed a spot should the session already be full. They would also have to register before participating.

Karen Eacrett, children’s librarian for the Copperas Cove Public Library, said that very young children—from birth until they are 3 years old—have brains with a much greater plasticity. This means that their brains are more flexible or “plastic” and they are better able to adapt to a wide range of environments and interactions.

“You need to talk to your children, sing to your children, and let them listen to music—all kinds of music,” said Eacrett. “Babies learn best from real life people, not screens…Those years are really critical for them.”

Eacrett said that, besides the enrichment for the children, parents are also able to meet and interact with other parents with children of similar ages and make connections with each other. She said that it’s a good way for parents who are in the military to meet with other parents and get to know members of their community.

For each session, while the children are engaged in play, the professionals leading each session will take a few moments to interact with parents one-on-one.

Older siblings are welcome to come to the classes with their younger siblings, but the classes are geared towards children ages three and under.

The Parent-Child Workshop is available thanks to a grant the library received from Family Place Libraries, a national program. The grant money is used to host workshops, provide parents with access to community resources, and to provide items in their children library which children can access during regular library hours. Items purchased for the children’s library include pretend play toys and manipulatives. For the parents, they purchased new books which include helpful parenting resources.

Eacrett said that the library is still looking for community sponsors who are willing to support the library including those who can help with classes, provide financial support for replacing items in the children’s library as they break, or for future parent-child workshops. Eacrett mentioned that she would like to add door prizes for future workshops to encourage attendance.