Lewisburg School was one of 25 schools in Kentucky that was awarded a Born Learning Grant. This grant was applied for through the Family Resource Youth Service Center and offers Lewisburg School funding to offer the United Way Born Learning Academy to families with children under five years old in the Lewisburg community. The workshops focus on how to turn everyday moments into learning opportunities.

Why does early learning matter? Kentucky students are entering Kindergarten and are already behind. Screenings indicate that 46 percent of the students entering Kindergarten at Lewisburg did not have the basic skills needed for success.

Experts say the first few years are one of the most critical times for a child’s development. Children who get the right learning opportunities in their early years are more likely to graduate high school, go on to college, and be productive citizens. But kids who come to school without the cognitive, social-emotional, and physical skills needed have a harder time learning basics like reading. By the end of third grade, kids who can’t read on grade level are four times as likely to drop out of high school, research says.

The workshops began in August and we hope to have many more families join us this year. “It’s the simple things that make a difference in building a young child’s foundation for success in school and life. It’s not flash cards or expensive educational toys – it’s things like making your grocery trip into a treasure hunt for colors and shapes. Everyday activities are fun, easy opportunities to encourage learning.

Seventy percent of brain growth is during the first year of a child’s life. That’s very powerful if you think about it. Ninety percent of the brain is developed by age 3.

At the Born Learning Academy, don’t be surprised to see toddlers making chalk art, parents taking a brain-development quiz and families doing the chicken dance together. It’s all to emphasize the value of early learning.

Each workshop provides dinner, a learning session, family activities and chances to win fabulous door prizes. They’re also a chance to connect with other families, and learn new skills. Parents are not required to have a child enrolled at the school to attend.

Our next workshop is Tuesday, Nov. 17, from 5-7 p.m.. If you need more information or if you would like to enroll, contact Melanie Manley at 270-755-3463.