“It’s really just fun to read a good book,” said Stephany Davis, the founder of Connection to Creativity, an organization that has helped encourage more than 900,000 children to love reading since 2015.
As a librarian at the Bahamas Atlantis Resort for 12 years, Davis saw that reading was losing the fight for kids’ attention. Her son, Aliko, also struggled with reading. However, there was a solution, she learned.
“Find what a child loves, and the child will read,” she said.
Aliko passed in 2017, but Davis has continued to make reading fun for kids. She moved to America that same year and found that the problem with reading was a universal one.
“When I came to the States, I realized the struggle was the same.”
The Life-Changing Power of Reading
Connection to Creativity gets kids interested in reading by incorporating art and craft activities, music, and special guest appearances.
Previous sessions have included Books Bringing the Beats, where Dr. Suess books were transformed into musical renditions; Cuddle and Read, where kids constructed a teddy bear to take home with them; and Playful Picasso, a read and paint scavenger hunt.
“Every child learns differently; you have to find a way to get them engaged and involved. It’s fun for kids to see books come to life,” explained Davis.
At home with parents who are busy with so many other things, finding the time to read with their children can be tricky, Davis has found. She suggests including opportunities for kids to read while doing everyday activities – this can mean having them read a recipe and food labels while you cook, or clothing tags when you’re doing laundry.
“Reading is a tool in life to get you through life itself,” continued Davis, “It opens the mind and helps you learn how to deal with conflict. If I can get just one child to have a positive mindset toward reading, it can change their life.”
Making Reading Apple-solutely Wonderful
During the pandemic, 1,200 people logged on to experience Connection to Creativity’s four-day virtual event with the Saratoga Springs Public Library and Victoria Kann, award-winning illustrator and author of the popular picture book series featuring the whimsical character Pinkalicious.
Beginning this fall, Connection to Creativity is hosting interactive hands-on opportunities for children up to age 10 at Saratoga Apple. Apple Creations, happening until mid-November, features apple-themed readings, crafts and games. From October on, Apple-y Ever After, a 4-week paid course, will be incorporating games, apple recipes, a chance to meet with the farmer, and more.
Mark Your Calendar:
Apple Creations free 40-minute events are Saturdays at 10 a.m., 12, and 2 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. Apple-y Ever After, a paid 4-week session of 1 hr+ of weekly reading-centered activities is ongoing. All events will be held at Saratoga Apple, 1174 Rte 29, Schuylerville. Space for both is limited.
For more information, and to register go to www.connectiontocreativity.com/saratoga-apples, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or call 917-719-6424.
