Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years
Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years
Dorothy Taylor of the Worland Kiwanis Club distributes free, custom books to West Side Elementary first graders. The book, "I Like Me" is customized to feature the individual student as the main character, and also specifically mentions their classmates, teachers, and school.
WORLAND – In an effort to promote early literacy and develop a love of reading, the Worland Kiwanis Club donated and distributed 94 custom books and six teacher's guides to Worland first grade students and teachers.
"I Like Me!," a custom book created by Kindergartners Count Inc., has been distributed to a half million students worldwide since 1993, and features the individual student's name as the main character. Worland Kiwanis member Dorothy Taylor first saw the book when a relative brought one home, and was inspired to do the same for Worland students.
"My great-granddaughter was given a copy of the book by the Casper Kiwanis Club, and I thought it was a wonderful idea," Taylor said.
With the approval of Worland Kiwanis President Steve Hunt, Taylor ordered a copy of the book for all 94 first-grade students in Worland, along with the six teacher's guides, for a total of $1,000. "From start to finish," noted Taylor, "it didn't take a month for the whole process and to receive the books."
Taylor distributed the books to Worland students and their teachers at East Side and West Side on Thursday, prompting wonder among the students. "It's always neat when kids can see their own name in a book, and that of their friends," said Taylor. "They were very excited."
Students at South Side will receive their books on Monday.
The Worland Kiwanis Club has budgeted for the program again next year. According to ILikeMe.org, the program is intended to instill a love of reading, foster positive self-concepts, and create positive associations toward school and learning.
