An Educational Band Helps with Reading Skills

New Hope, Minn. -   Music, movement, and fun---that’s what’s in store for the children and their parents who participate in the Robbinsdale Area Schools Family Literacy Program this Thursday, January 26 when the Teddy Bear Band plays a special concert.

What the children won’t realize, however, is while they have fun, they will learn important early literacy skills. Thanks to the Teddy Bear Band, children all over Minnesota have been sharpening early literacy skills such as rhyme, meter and memorable lines through the band’s playful music. With every song, the band members encourage children to participate in musical games, “bear-robics”, and imaginary rides.

“We act as role models and show the kids how they can join in on the fun,” explained Richard Erickson, the band’s bass player. In fact, the band’s motto is “You’re in the show!”

The band is the brainchild of Ron Gustafson, the band’s guitar player and a retired early childhood education teacher, and has been incorporating literacy skills into their music for over 25 years.

The concert will begin at 10:00 a.m. in the multipurpose room at the Winnetka Learning Center, located at 7940 55th Avenue North in New Hope. 

The Family Literacy Program is open to families with children from two and a half to school age. Childcare is available for younger siblings. The program offers educational opportunities for parents and children to improve literacy and life skills, and is based upon the idea that parents and children learn best when learning together. While the children are in preschool, the parents are improving their English skills, studying for their GED or getting ready for college in the Adult Academic Program. For more information about the Robbinsdale Area Schools Family Literacy Program and the Robbinsdale Area Schools Adult Academic Program, call 763-504-8300 or visit their website at www.ced.Rdale.org.

For more information about the Teddy Bear Band call Richard Erickson at 612-861-3570.

Editor's Note: The content above was provided by Tia Clasen, communications director for the Robbinsdale Area Schools.