BY JESSALYN KIRCHHOFF<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Hays Public Library (HPL) will be collaborating with the Hays Fire Department (HFD) to bring the members of the community this week\u2019s HPL featured event, the Explorers: STREAM program, which is scheduled to take place from 10-11:00 a.m. on Thursday in the Children\u2019s Activity Room of the HPL.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to the Hays Public Library website, Explorers is a STREAM (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Art, Math) program. The early literacy skills, motor skills, and concepts taught in Explorers are developmentally appropriate for ages three to eight years. Adult assistance is requested to help the children with STREAM activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Early Literacy Coordinator at the HPL, Amy Lucio, clarifies that while the Explorers: STREAM program is not exclusive to the summer months, the summer program differs slightly from the winter, spring, and fall semesters at 10:00 a.m. on Thursdays. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe summer program is different because we have more school-age kids that attend in addition to ages three to four, but kindergarten-second grade students are welcome to come when school is not in session,\u201d Lucio said. \u201cDuring the school year, the audience is typically ages three to four.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lucio goes on to explain the origins of the program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe Explorers: STREAM program has been in place for several years. The idea is to connect reading to other content areas, such as science, technology, engineering, art, and math,\u201d she said. \u201cThe kids enjoy hands-on learning and they build academic vocabulary naturally through creating and investigating.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lucio emphasizes that the Hays Public Library strives to connect with other city resources to provide experiences for the children in our community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAll of our emergency services have been very supportive of our children’s programs and want to interact with the children in our community in a positive way,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lucio continues by giving more specifics on how the Hays Fire Department became involved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe Hays Fire Department typically sends two firefighters to read at Storytime once a month; however, the fire truck \u2018show and tell\u2019 only comes in the summer and fall due to weather,\u201d Lucio said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For this specific edition of Explorers: STREAM, Lucio says guests will listen to a story read by HFD and the children will learn scientific vocabulary through exploring the fire truck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAfter the story, they will have the opportunity to explore the fire truck and create fun, outdoor art with red, white, and blue paint for Independence Day,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
By hosting programs and events like this one, Lucio hopes to build relationships between the youth of the community and the emergency service providers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHopefully, if children have had an opportunity to interact with firefighters in a fun environment, they will not be afraid of the fire department and the fire truck in an emergency situation,\u201d Lucio said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The rest of the week\u2019s events are as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Monday, June 26, 2023<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tuesday, June 27, 2023<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wednesday, June 28, 2023<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thursday, June 29, 2023<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Friday, June 30, 2023<\/p>\n\n\n\n