Huge rolling beasts with shining eyes, loud honks, and colorful sides stretching all the way to the sky-once you've grown up, it's hard to remember just how strange and wonderful trucks can be. Cars, trucks and other vehicles are commonplace for anyone old enough to drive, but children find them almost magical. The Library's third annualTouch-a-Truck gives kids of all ages a safe opportunity to experience trucks first hand.
Join us October 14 starting at 9 a.m. to explore big trucks and other vehicles from the community. New this year is a quiet hour, from 9 to 10 a.m. The trucks will be quiet during this special-needs and sensory-friendly time. If your child loves trucks but not noises, come early to enjoy them without honks, horns, or beeps.
All morning, children can sit behind the wheel, climb in the back, or perch on the bumpers. Drivers and operators will be on-hand to answer questions and explain how everything works.
"Supporting your child's interests is so important in raising curious children who are excited about learning," says Bethany Fort, Library Services Manager for Learning Support. "Whether your child loves trucks or something else, give them opportunities to find out more."
The following are just some of the trucks and other vehicles at this year's Touch-a-Truck:
- Police cars
- Fire Engine
- Ambulance
- Water Utilities vehicles
- FedEx truck
- Public Works and Transportation equipment
- Moving Van
- Recreational Vehicle
- Milo Autonomous (self-driving) Bus
- And more
As you get hands-on with these vehicles at Touch-a-Truck, it's a great time to build your children's vocabulary and background knowledge. Talk about colors and shapes you see with toddlers. Ask older children what's similar and different between the various trucks. You can also use trucks to keep learning when Touch-a-Truck is over. Count trucks when running errands, make up stories about where trucks are going, pretend to be a truck-all of these fun games encourage your child's learning and development.
Touch-a-Truck is free. Join us Saturday, October 14 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. in the parking lot of the First United Methodist Church, 313 N. Center St.
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