Advance Library teams with Parents as Teachers to host Christmas program

It was a dark and stormy Saturday, but the weather did not stop six parents and five children from participating in the first collaboration of the Advance Community Library and the Parents as Teachers Program in Advance.

"We're very pleased to launch this new combined approach to early education," said P.A.T. assistant director Sally Jones. "As a member of the library board, I'm in a unique position to work with both organizations."

An important new aspect of the program is the updating and renovation of the superintendent's office across from the library. With the addition of a PTAC unit, the room now has heating and cooling capability, so it can be used throughout the year.

5350 MADELINEDEJOURNETTadvancensc@sbcglobal.net Katie Beth Daniels works on her beaded Christmas ornament at the Advance Library/Parents as Teachers Program on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2013.

On hand to work with the children were P.A.T. Director Nancy Hale and library board members Diane Reeves and Nancy Lanpher, both retired Advance teachers.

Children listened as Sally Jones read "Pet the Cat Saves Christmas." Jones, who is familiar with the Common Core Standards, led the children through questions designed to develop their listening and critical thinking skills. The students joined in on the little songs which are included in the "Pete the Cat" series of children's books.

Teachers and parents helped the children make beaded Christmas ornaments.

5365 MADELINEDEJOURNETTadvancensc@sbcglobal.net Colton Sticht enjoys a cookie shaped like Pete the Cat. Library board members made the cookies for the program.

The session was topped off with another story, read by Mrs. Reeves, homemade Christmas cookies made by library board members, and a trip across the hall to check out books for the children to take home.