Date: March 18, 2008
Contact: Carol Connelly, Director, Media & Communication Services, ext. 5267, cconnelly@pnc.edu

PNC Offers Literacy Event for Children and Families

Project ABLE Amazing Books and Literacy for Everyone Saturday, March 29 6 to 8 p.m. LSF Building, Room 144

Westville – The Purdue University North Central TRIO Club has planned an evening of fun and literacy-rich activities for families and children from infants through high school that will focus on the importance of developing early literacy in children.

Project ABLE (Amazing Books and Literacy for Everyone) will be Saturday, March 29 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Library-Student-Faculty Building Room 144 on the Westville campus.

With assistance from Student Education Association and the North Central Reading Council, guests will choose from a variety of activities to enjoy as part of this casual evening. Planned activities include:
A puppet show with a unique twist – the students read to the puppets as part of this interactive presentation.

Children from infant to three years old and their family may participate in finger plays and listen to book reading. Parents will have the opportunity to make “baby books” for their children.

Children four to six years old will have a book reading using a board flannel to tell a story. Parents may also write and illustrate their own book. A game of “Mad Libs” will be offered.

The seven- to nine-year-olds will have an age-appropriate book read to them; or they may choose to make a bookmark, write and illustrate their own book or enjoy a game of “Mad Libs.”

Those 10 years old and older will be able write and illustrate a book; create a bookmark; participate in “Mad Libs” or listen to a book reading. Children in this group will receive a free diary or journal.

Chapters of books written by the participants during the evening will be given to the puppets. Parents and children will be able to enjoy the read the story that they created.

There will be refreshments and time to mingle, ask questions and get to know one another. Parents will receive a free tote bag with information on literacy and a free book that is age appropriate for their child.

The PNC TRIO Club is an active service club. Its activities provide assistance to the campus and the community. Fundraisers are held throughout the year to raise money for PNC student scholarships. Club members help those in need in the community by collecting toys for youngsters, providing holiday gifts to senior citizens and shut-ins. TRIO presents a humanitarian award to students displaying exceptional campus and community service.

TRIO program, funded by the U.S. Department of Education, is an umbrella name given to the U.S. Department of Education programs that seek to increase access to higher education and encourage the success of students who are disadvantaged or traditionally under served.

Further information about Project ABLE and TRIO Club can be obtained by contacting Mary Lute-Brown, program coordinator for Student Support Services and the TRiO Service Club Advisor, at 800-872-1231, ext. 5367. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations should contact Lute-Brown.

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