Workshop focuses on helping parents teach children to read

YOUNGSTOWN -- A free workshop focusing on parents' preparing their children to learn to read will be at the Children's Museum of the Valley, 139 E. Boardman St., on Wednesday.
The museum's monthly admission-free Community Night will be led by Brenda Garcia, reading specialist and project director at Easter Seals, from 5 to 8 p.m.
Her workshop will tell parents what they can do, beginning at their child's birth, that will help their children learn to read.
Garcia will address simple activities, such as talking, playing together and sharing books, that are important to building early reading skills. There also will be story times and arts and crafts.
Parents should call the museum to register. Attendance is free.
Attendees will receive a literacy kit that includes more information for parents and a new children's book. Light refreshments will be provided.
This monthly admission-free event is sponsored by First Place Bank to offer families the opportunity to explore the museum's exhibits and participate in literacy-building activities.
To register, call the museum at (330) 744-5914. The museum is across the street from the main post office downtown.