Family Connection of Colquitt County Promotes Early Literacy with Baby Book Photo Contest
From Archway Partnership, University of Georgia
The Youth Development and Education committee, formed by the University of Georgia Colquitt County Archway Partnership, is announcing the winners of the Colquitt County ABC picture/baby book photo contest. Congratulations to the winners – Lea Barrow, Justin Cox, Tommie Beth Willis and Bertha Riojas-Jasso!
The brainchild of Janet Sheldon, executive director of Family Connection of Colquitt County, the project not only helps the little babies of Colquitt County learn and grow but also highlights some of our favorite places across Moultrie and Colquitt County.
The book will feature the local photo submissions and fun facts about the places highlighted across Colquitt County. There are also tips for parents and caregivers to help children get ready for school and excited about reading.
The contest was open to everyone in the community and after dozens of entries, the committee had the hard task of narrowing it down to the winning photos.
“This has been a long process, with many people helping, to get the Colquitt County Baby book ready. It was wonderful to see the input from so many Colquitt County residents,” said Sheldon. “We have so many great places across the county to highlight and hopefully the book will also help to amplify our hometown pride, while being a great learning tool for our youngest residents. I hope that many will participate in this endeavor to get the word out about how important it is to nurture, talk to, look at, and read to babies and young children for their future.”
Winners were awarded $50 PER letter and will receive a framed Colquitt County Baby book page showcasing their photograph(s). All winning photos will be featured in the ABC book and winners will receive a certificate and a copy of the book.
Books for all ages can be checked out free at the library. Librarians are there to help with selections. Ours has computers, audio books, a huge selection of books, and a fine genealogical library, too. There is a specially designed area just for children. Summers are great times to participate in the many fun programs for adults and kids available there for free.
TIP from Family Connection – Children who are shown books and read to early, and hear lots of different words start school better prepared to learn. This time of close physical contact and cuddling is important, too. Use your finger to point to each word as you read it.
Read the story on archwaypartnership.uga.edu.