Fresno County students experienced the magic of storytelling
FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Dozens of Fresno County students in the Migrant Education Program experienced the magic of storytelling at none other than Storyland.
Five thousand books were donated by ABC30's parent company Disney through a partnership with ABC and First Book.
This program through the Fresno County Office of Education is writing a new chapter for children of migrant workers-- one that paves the way for success.
Ruben Castillo, of the Fresno County Office of Education, said, "The parents have to move place to place to acquire work. So sometimes the kids get pulled out of school early or they don't return to school on time and what happens is they miss out."
The year round Migrant Education Program caters to underserved children ages pre school to 21.
"The county office does a great job at making sure the kids have access to instruction, to proper meals in the summer, and more importantly to give them something to take home and read," said Castillo.
The federally-funded program has been providing education and supplemental support services to migrant children for the last 50 years.
Dozens of their students spent Friday seeing their favorite storybooks brought to life-- some for the first time.
As for why they love to read?
"Because you get to learn, solve problems, things you can do, things you cannot do," said Kimberlyn Ventura, 3rd grade.
Eight-year-old Angie Miranda can't wait to turn the pages of her brand new book.
"Very fun. You can see lots of things in it when you use your imagination. Because it's just words, then you can picture it in your mind."
The goal of the summer session is to make sure children don't regress over the summer months. For some, it even gives them a step ahead of the class.
"Literacy is very important. We understand the key to success is to be literate. A lot of our kids don't have books at home," said Castillo.
Each student went home with five books in hopes that they continue their reading throughout the summer.
