The Book Buddies Shelter Pet Program lets kids to adore animals make a real difference in the lives of shelter pets.
As part of the Book Buddies Shelter Pet Program with the Humane Society of Missouri, kids ages 6-12 are trained to read to shelter pets. Reading to the shelter dogs helps to bring comfort them and reduces anxiety. It also makes the pet more adoptable. Reading helps shy dogs learn to relax around people and teaches high energy dogs and calm behavior is desirable.
In children, the program nurtures empathy and helps them develop reading skills. Participants sit outside the dog's kennel and read to them. There is no direct contact with the dogs in this opportunity.
One parent is required to attend the training and must accompany the child every time they come to read. Closed-toes, rubber-soled shoes are required. Kids are welcome to bring their favorite book or can choose to read from HSMO's library of more than 100 animal-themed books.
The next training sessions is set for Jan. 31 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. at the Humane Society's Macling Ave Headquarters. Cost per child is $5.
For more information and online registration, go to hsmo.org
Little Red Hen Play Dates are a wonderful way for children ages 0-6 and their caregivers to experience the magic of Waldorf Early Childhood Education. You and your child will bake bread — a weekly occurrence in the Waldorf School's Early Childhood Program — listen to stories; join in a circle time filled with songs, rhymes, and movement; and explore the outdoors in the mini meadow.
Bring your babies and toddlers to this free story time at the Missouri History Museum.
Storytelling in the Museum is an in-person storytelling event happening at 10:30 a.m. at the Missouri History Museum. This event, perfect for the preschool set, features engaging stories with themes like Juneteenth, Sweet Treats, Summer and more. Storytelling in the Museum is free.
Join in on First Art, a free art program for toddlers where the focus is on the process of making art rather than the finished product. Dress to get messy!
LEGO Club at the St. Louis County Library is a free opportunity for kids to gather and have fun building with LEGO bricks. LEGOs are provided.