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Museum features reading time for tots
This month focuses on caring for the earth

by Dolores Fox Ciardelli

"What can we do to help the earth?" storyteller Nichelle Baviera asked the children gathered at the Museum on Main on Wednesday morning.

"You plant a seed, a tree grows, and a bunny hops around," answered one little guy donned in a firefighter's hat and coat.

"Put out the garbage," suggested another.

"Give trees water," said another tyke.

It was the new, free literacy program that introduces preschool-aged children to books and activities about the people, cultures and events in Pleasanton.

"M.O.M.'s Reading Time is a fantastic way for parents to introduce their children to their community while at the same time developing a love of reading and books," said Jennifer Amiel, director of education for the museum. "Participants will enjoy the storytelling portion, then participate in a fun, related activity, such as a craft they can make and take home."

On Wednesday, the stories and activities were based on the theme "Celebrate Earth." After Baviera read "A Tree is Nice" and "Follow That Trash," the room of preschoolers decorated drink holders and made sun catchers out of old CDs.

M.O.M.'s Reading Time takes place from 10-11 a.m. the second Wednesday of each month at the museum, 603 Main St.

Future topics will be:

* May 12, Cowboys and Cowgirls

* June 9, The Centennial Light

* July 14, Our Great Nation

* Aug. 11, A Ramadan Story

* Sept. 8, Autumn Harvest

* Oct. 13, Spooky Stories

* Nov. 10, Celebrate Duvali

* Dec. 8, Winter Holidays

"We hope families and playgroups will make us part of their 'can't miss' monthly activities," said Amiel.

For more information about the program, contact Amiel at education@museumonmain.org or 462-2766. Visit www.museumonmain.org.

Baviera also talked to the youngsters about trees.

"Are there a lot of trees in Pleasanton?" she asked.

"I'm from Livermore," shouted out one young man.