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Set kids up for summer reading with Literacy on the Lawn

May 9, 2016
Last year’s Literacy on the Lawn drew more than 200 people.

Last year’s Literacy on the Lawn drew more than 200 people.

Literacy on the Lawn opens its next chapter at a new location: NIU’s Convocation Center.

The Northern Illinois Jerry L. Johns Literacy Clinic event is set for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 11 at all-weather friendly Convo Center.

Award-winning children’s book author Carolyn Crimi will present a lively program from 11-11:45 a.m. It  promises to engage young readers (and young writers, too), and get everyone excited about summer reading.

With over 20 exhibitors, there will be something for all young reading lovers and their parents. Planned activities include stuffed bunny science adventures, vegetable literacy, improvisation workshop, guess the seed game, MyPlate toss, Boy Scout skills training, American Sign Language, the Hmong Story Cloth, Beanie Babies labeling in multiple languages.

NIU’s Huskie mascot Mission will stop by from 10:15-11:15 a.m., and character mascot Victor E. Huskie will be on hand as well. The Harambee African Percussion ensemble is set to perform too.

Attendees have a chance to win free raffle prizes including gift certificates at local businesses, Ice Hogs and Rockford Rivets tickets, an autographed Chicago Bears flag, and a grand prize that includes a life-size stuffed husky dog, two fiction and two non-fiction books in a Huskies tote bag. Students of DeKalb and Sycamore elementary schools be sure to bring in your coloring sheets to enter a special raffle.

Each child will receive a take-home bag with literacy information for parents, children’s reading activities, and a new book to add to their home library.

Literacy on the Lawn is still looking for donations and volunteers. For more information contact Suzi Hinrichs, assistant director of the Jerry L. Johns Literacy Clinic, at (815) 753-8187 or shinrichs@niu.edu. For DeKalb residents who need a ride, there is a bus that will make stops in some areas. Call the Literacy Clinic for details.