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Kiddie Academy promotes literacy with help from Curious George

The Lakewood Ranch early learning center held its annual Story Time Alive event Saturday.


  • By Jessica Salmond
  • | 10:03 a.m. August 31, 2015
  • East County
  • Schools
  • Share

More than 80 children got to meet Curious George in person Saturday at Kiddie Academy of Lakewood Ranch. 

The early learning center held its annual literacy event, Story Time Alive, Saturday. Each year, the center features a different literary character. The free event was open to the public, with snacks, story time and crafts—themed after George, of course, who strolled through the classrooms for photos and hugs. 

"We always promote literacy. We are all life-long learners, as children and adults," said Marina Wolf-Schmidt, owner of the Academy.

Christa Briener, the voluntary pre-kindergarten teacher, reads a bok to Nolan Lee, 4.
Christa Briener, the voluntary pre-kindergarten teacher, reads a bok to Nolan Lee, 4.
Camila Sanchez, 4, reaches for some crayons to color her Curious George mask.
Camila Sanchez, 4, reaches for some crayons to color her Curious George mask.
Savannah Grosso, 2, eagerly greets Curious George.
Savannah Grosso, 2, eagerly greets Curious George. "She's been looking forward to meeting him," her mom, Dannin Grosso, said.
Levi Endress, 1, tries out a sombrero.
Levi Endress, 1, tries out a sombrero.
Easton Lee, 1, dumps out some sea shells.
Easton Lee, 1, dumps out some sea shells.
Carolina Sanchez and her daughter, Camila, 4, chat over a banana snack.
Carolina Sanchez and her daughter, Camila, 4, chat over a banana snack.
Curious George (played by Academy teacher Morgan Murray) visited with children and took photos.
Curious George (played by Academy teacher Morgan Murray) visited with children and took photos.
Denita James, the curriculum specialist, praises Kaiden Michael, 3, on his mask.
Denita James, the curriculum specialist, praises Kaiden Michael, 3, on his mask.
Kaeden Shouse, 6, shows off his Curious George mask.
Kaeden Shouse, 6, shows off his Curious George mask.
Kendra Mackie and daughter Molley Jillson, 2, talk about Curious George.
Kendra Mackie and daughter Molley Jillson, 2, talk about Curious George.
Shivam Patel, 4, shakes hands with Curious George.
Shivam Patel, 4, shakes hands with Curious George.
Tawana Morgan helps her granddaughter, Ka'ja Crane, 2, color her mask.
Tawana Morgan helps her granddaughter, Ka'ja Crane, 2, color her mask.
Zachary Greene, 1, gets a drink of water with a little help from Helen Greene, his grandmother.
Zachary Greene, 1, gets a drink of water with a little help from Helen Greene, his grandmother.

 

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