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Zinc the zebra teaches children diversity
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Neighbors | Eartha Terrell.Aidan Kerns was excited to help his sister, Anna, color during Boardman library’s Zinc Zebra program July 18.
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Neighbors | Eartha Terrell.Swathi Padmanabhan (left) and her mother, Vidya, were thrilled to participate in Boardman library’s program Meet Zinc program July 18.
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Sydney Beckman made sure she colored in the lines as she made her zebra puppet colorful at Boardman library July 18.
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Neighbors | Eartha Terrell.Girl Scouts employee, Jannae Rogers, used a spotted Zebra to encourage children to embrace their differences and treat everyone with kindness at Boardman library July 18.
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Children were proud of the zebra hand puppets they made while they smiled with Northeastern Girl Scout MVP, Carolyn Serenko, at Boardman library July 18.
By EARTHA TERRELL
A spotted zebra named Zinc provided insight to the importance of diversity to a young audience at the Boardman library July 18 as part of the Summer ‘Dream Big’ Reading program.
The library not only wanted to spread the message of tolerance and equality, but also lead by example.
“This message is importance to all ages. We try and encourage diversity at the library with books and treating all patrons fairly and equally,” said librarian Karen Saunders.
Northeastern Girl Scout MVP Carolyn Serenko read about why it was crucial to value individuality while embracing other’s differences. The tale of Zinc, who didn’t have stripes like his peers was a message that resonated well with children and they enthusiastically agreed that everyone should be able to be who they want to be without judgement.
“Whatever you are is what you are. Being different makes you special,” Serenko said.
The program’s goal was to help kids learn that just because people are different doesn’t mean they do not deserve kindness and respect.
“This program is geared to anti-bullying because it’s about accepting people for who they are. It’s an easy way for kids to learn and at a level for them to understand,” Serenko said.
The event also gave children the freedom to express their creativity with arts and crafts. Each child created and colored there own zebra hand puppets. Some parents were excited that their children were having a good time.
“She loves art, painting and stories,” said Vidya Padmanabhan.