Area children have a special treat that also serves as a learning tool, as the Copiah-Jefferson Regional Library (CJRL) announces the acquisition of the Early Literacy Station(tm), a comprehensive, turnkey educational computer station loaded with more than 60 educational software titles for kids ages 2-8.

The literacy station offers children a safe, standalone computer not connected to the Internet that is age-appropriate, engaging, and academically relevant for children, according to a library press release. The unit is designed to support school readiness and technology access while making learning exciting and engaging.

“The Early Literacy Station is an invaluable resource for toddlers to 5th grade students,” said Katrina Castilaw, library director.

The kids are having fun, and many times they don’t know they are learning!”

The Early Literacy Station’s educational software covers seven curricular areas: reading, math, science, social studies, writing, arts and music, and reference. The system is designed to attract and educate toddlers through early elementary school ages.

Many of the software programs contain disguised learning activities that expand the child’s experience through games and extension activities.

The educational software includes such titles as:

• La Casa de Dora

• SpongeBob SquarePants Typing

• Giggles Kids My Musical World/ABCs and 123s

• Kid Pix 3D

• Math Doodles

• Know Your USA

• Sesame Street

• Speakaboos interactive storybooks

• World of Goo

The unit has an imaginative interface that encourages exploration by readers and pre-readers alike. Since it is a self-contained computer, the need for adult intervention and technical support is greatly minimized.

AWE’s Early Literacy Station, the company’s flagship product, is found in over 35 percent of the public libraries across the United States as well as in many communities in Canada and abroad.

The literacy stations were acquired via a grant from the federal Library Services and Technology Act administered by the Mississippi Library Commission for the Institute of Museum and Library Services. CJRL branches are located in Wesson, Crystal Springs, Hazlehurst, Fayette and Georgetown.