Discovery Center manager says reading enhances children’s experience in “Kenya’s Kids” exhibit

Chandler Reeder, manager at the Discovery Center in Ocala, Florida, said reading skills help children “enjoy what we offer here at Discovery Center even more.”

Reeder described how the center’s traveling exhibit, called “Kenya’s Kids,” uses signage and interactive features so children who can read — or who enjoy reading — can further engage by learning Swahili terms, exploring how transportation works in Kenya, practicing market transactions and understanding currency. “So currently, our exhibit is called Kenya's Kids, which focuses on what it's like to live in Kenya as a kid,” Reeder said. “And kids who have learned how to read or have a joy of reading can enjoy the exhibit further by learning terms in Swahili, learning what transports like in Kenya, learning how to shop at a market, being able to understand currency, and all that.”

Reeder also noted that the center posts “a lot of signage with fun facts about all of the critters that live in this building” and that reading is promoted in other parts of the center, including upstairs in the traveling exhibits. The remarks in the transcript are presented as comments to the meeting; the transcript does not record any formal action or vote tied to them.