JACKSON, Miss. – Free, family fun awaits children during Mississippi Public Broadcasting’s Summer Learning Family Fun Day set for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 15 at the Jackson Convention Complex. “Let’s Cheer For Reading” is the event’s theme this year.
This will be the sixth year MPB has held this special event to highlight National Summer Learning Day initiatives to prevent academic loss among children while school is out. Research shows children lose about two months’ worth of reading and math skills during the summer if they don’t practice what they learned during the school year.
Last year, more than 2,000 children participated in MPB’s Summer Learning Family Fun Day. Access registration at mpbonline.org/summerlearning/.
“MPB is committed to raising awareness of summer learning loss as well as giving children and parents fun tools to combat the problem,” said Shelia Brown Robinson, MPB’s Director of Early Childhood. “The goal is to remind the community about the importance of school readiness and continuous summer learning in a fun way.”
Highlighting the event will be a friendly cheer competition among Jackson area cheer squads. Each squad has been asked to create an original cheer with a reading focus. Members of Jackson State University’s cheerleading squad as well as the JSU mascot will participate.
PBS and MPB characters, such as Ed Said, Curious George and Clifford the Big Red Dog will make special appearances. Other activities include15 interactive activity stations, pottery with clay artist, Harold Miller; storytelling, canvas drawing, face painting and much more. Each child will receive a free book.
Participating vendors include Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi and the University of Mississippi Medical Center, which are both event sponsors. Other vendors include: Entergy Solutions, College Savings Mississippi, Little Gym of Jackson, Mississippi Smiles Dentistry, Mississippi Soil and Water Conservation, Parents and Kids Magazine, Snap Happy Face Painting, The Pediatric Dental Studio, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Mississippi, United States Census Bureau and United Way of The Capital Area.
