Published: June 20, 2009 10:27 pm      

Children enjoy reading outdoors

Reading Railroad offers day of stories and interaction at the Berry Patch

As Dina Dominick finished reading a book about deer, she told the children each would receive a treat also enjoyed by deer.

The treat was an apple, but before it was passed out, Dominick asked the children what they should do with the core when they were done.

Several on the children replied to throw it out.

“Where do you think we should throw it out at?” she asked.

While some of the children said suggested the trash, Dominick said they could simply throw it into the woods because the deer would eat it later.

“That’s cool,” one child replied as her husband, Greg, passed out the apples..

A teacher at Landis Elementary, Dominick was one of three storytellers participating in the third annual “Meet Me at the Berry Patch.” The goal of the program, sponsored by the Reading Railroad, is to encourage parents to read to children.

One of the largest summer events hosted by the Reading Railroad, this year’s “Meet Me at the Berry Patch” was a success, according to Patty Brown. She believed traveling to the area schools during May to preview the summer events helped attract more students.

“Each year, it grows tremendously,” she said.

More than 100 children gathered Saturday morning to listen to stories about bees, turtles and deer at the Berry Patch at Logansport High School.

Brown said the event allows children to learn not only through books, but hands-on as well.

“When kids have science experiments and catch frogs and tadpoles, then read about it in a book, it really brings it to life,” she said.

When deciding on which books to read, Brown tries to relate different animals to specific areas in the Berry Patch.

In the meadows, Nancy Lapierre, a retired school teacher, read a book about bees. The group of children sat quietly on several large yellow blankets. During the book, each child was given a cup of honey and pretzel sticks as a snack.

Deputy mayor Linda Klinck stood next to the pond reading a story about turtles.

Dave Lapierre, director of the Berry Patch and a retired school teacher, helped out by showing a female and male turtle. He explained the differences between the two and let the children pet both turtles. He also carried a large frog for children to see up close.

Dave Lapierre enjoys one part of the event in particular each year.

“Just seeing the excitement of the kids,” he said. “I have the advantage of staying at the pond. When they pet the frog or the turtle, I see the sparkle in their eyes.”

Lapierre said one of the most important parts of visiting the Berry Patch is for children to realize how animals survive.

Brown said the free event helps expose children and their parents to the Berry Patch.

“It’s just something good happening in Cass County,” Brown said. “Kids aren’t scientists, but when they are exposed to these experiences they can find out what they really like.”

Logansport residents Michelle and Brian Harmon brought their two sons, Gavien, 12, and Jordan, 9, to the event for the first time.

“We planned on coming out to the Berry Patch anyway,” Michelle explained. “When we found out they had the Reading Railroad out here, we were excited. We heard Mr. Lapierre was at the pond and that’s our favorite part.”

Michelle said the family has been participating in other summer events hosted by the Reading Railroad as well. She thought Saturday’s program was wonderful, especially since her children still enjoy being read to.

“It gets you outside and involved with nature,” Michelle added. “It also gets you involved with reading. Being a teacher, I always encourage reading.”

Gavien’s favorite part of the day was walking through the woods, while Jordan enjoyed seeing the turtles and frogs. Jordan even learned the difference between a female and male turtle. He said male turtles have red eyes.

Brian enjoyed the time spent with his family, but especially enjoyed seeing the tadpoles transform into frogs at the pond.

Each family also had a photo taken during their journey on the Berry Patch and will be able to pick up the photo at the Logansport Library this week at no cost.

At the end of the event, each child was able to pick out a free book to keep, courtesy of the Reading Railroad. Retired librarian Kathy Herrell was on hand to help the children pick out the perfect book.

For Brown, the event is something that can make her smile.

“I love seeing families together doing something fun and learning,” she said.

• Denise Massie is a staff writer at the Pharos-Tribune. She can be reached at (574) 732-5151 or denise.massie@pharostribune.com