Shadyside Park Born Learning Trail Open

The Born Learning Connection, City of Anderson Community Development, City of Anderson Parks and Recreation,  and United Way of Madison County dedicated Madison County’s fourth outdoor learning trail at Shadyside Park on Saturday, August 14 6  p.m. The trail is located near the Shadyside shelter house and play area off of Broadway Street in Anderson. Born Learning Coordinators distributed books, balloons and refreshments to children ages 0-5. 

The Born Learning Trail is a series of nine learning activities that any adult can play with young children, including activities such as hopscotch and “Watch! Stop! Learn! Play!” The activities encourage adults to follow the child’s lead, building the child’s curiosity and confidence.  “The Born Learning Trail promotes fun and games- important components of early learning,” said Nancy Vaughan, United Way of Madison County President.  “Research tells us children are literally ‘born learning.’ That means five years of education take place before they even enter kindergarten. We know that what happens in a child’s early years matters- for success in life and for school readiness. We want to help parents, grandparents and caregivers use everyday outings- including trips to the Jackson Park Trail- to support that learning.” she stated.

The trail is funded with Community Development Block funds set aside in 2008 by the City of Anderson Community Development Department. The trail includes signs in both Hispanic and English in low-mod income parks in Anderson.  Beth McKenzie, City of Anderson Community Development Department representative said, “The department obligated $10,000 in 2008 CDBG funding for this project which was used to construct Born Learning Trails in areas occupied by large numbers of families living with low incomes.  Since that time, two trails have been constructed and the department continues to partner with United Way on this project through volunteer efforts as well as working on other anti-poverty strategies.  Anderson Rotary Club also provided funds to purchase books for kids 0-5. Anderson Rotary has also donated funds for a trail at Pulaski Park that will be dedicated Tuesday, August 31 as part of the United Way’s community campaign kick-off event.

The City of Anderson Parks and Recreation provided space and the labor to install the trail. Joanne Hadley, Born Learning Connection Coordinator said, “The success of the installation and dedication of the Shadyside Park Born Learning Trail was made possible by the extraordinary cooperation and support from the Anderson Parks Board, staff and Community Development Department staff and volunteers.”

Today, in Madison County 66 percent of our children enter kindergarten behind the national average in early reading abilities.  This year a projected 900 + students will not have the necessary pre literacy skills as they enter kindergarten to be proficient readers by third grade.

Our youngest children lack adequate exposure to the written and spoken word. Born Learning will work with our parents, giving them the tools and confidence they need to teach and nurture their children everyday through teachable moments.

The goal of the Born Learning Connection is to ensure all Madison County children enter school with the skills to be successful learners. Born Learning Connection made up of representatives from schools, agencies, and community partners identifies and recommends strategies to increase parental involvement in early childhood development of young children in Madison County. Strategies include: Blast Off to Kindergarten, Family Literacy Parties, Play-n-Learn Groups, Pre and Post Natal Outreach, Books for Babies and the Born Learning Trails. Born Learning Connection is a service of United Way of Madison County.