International Story Time in the Garden
by Gioia Caiola Forman, FROGS Board Member and Green Spring Extension Master Gardener
The idea of International Story Time was developed with a plan to hold them on a weekend morning outdoors in the Children’s Garden if weather permitted or inside in bad weather. Books about nature in both the language of the day and English are read. The program is geared toward native speakers and children whose parents want them to be exposed to other languages. The Outreach and Membership Committee of the FROGS Board was looking for opportunities to encourage more young families and speakers of other languages to visit and explore Green Spring. It was hoped they would enjoy their experiences and become FROGS members.
During the summer of 2022, we offered programs in four languages: Korean, Spanish, Persian (Farsi), and ASL (American Sign Language). Native speakers read a page which was followed by a reader in English. Two to three books were read, followed by two art projects corresponding to the nature books and a visit and photo session with Ribbit, the FROGS mascot.
The young families that participated were mostly new to Green Spring. They enjoyed the activities and the garden. During Korean Story Time, a father said he never expected his language to be read in such a beautiful garden. He was very grateful and said he and his family would come back often.
The importance of children being multilingual and being introduced to other languages at an early age is an important but secondary goal of the program. Emphasizing nature and teaching young children about climate, flowers, insects, and the outdoors are primary, as is increasing FROGS membership to help keep Green Spring growing and green.
The spring and summer of 2023 will see the program repeated. A few of the same languages will be planned and new ones introduced. There were many lessons learned during the first season. Embassies were contacted as well as community centers and Fairfax County elementary schools that have language programs. Multilingual flyers were posted in Fairfax County libraries and stores but there’s a need to get help from community members to spread the word. Information packets with FROGS membership brochures and information on other Green Spring children’s programs will be available to the parents while the children do the art projects. A sign-in requesting an email will be established to follow up and thank people for coming to Green Spring.
We ask and encourage all FROGS members to spread the word. Anyone wishing to volunteer or who has suggestions can contact
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.
Music will be incorporated next season teaching children songs in different languages. Anyone playing guitar or other instruments who wants to be part of this is encouraged and welcome to join us.
Thank you, mam noon, dhanyavaad, sukraan, grazie, danke, gracias, merci!
All photos taken by Gioia Caiola Forman.
