FORT WALTON BEACH — After-school learning has gone high tech for children attending a local nonprofit group’s after-school program.
With the help of a $6,300 grant from the Boeing Employee Community Fund, Youth Village has purchased 18 new Barnes and Noble Nook e-readers and five computers, according to Executive Director Nellie Bogar.
“I’m seeing more kids with them, and they’re helping them read more,” Bogar said. “There (are) so many apps we can put on there to help them.”
The Nooks arrived at Youth Village on Monday and were unveiled during a surprise presentation with staff from the Barnes and Noble in Destin.
Five-year-old Sanai Lindsey couldn’t contain her excitement as she watched a book come to life on one of the Nooks.
“Can you do the next page?” the kindergartner asked without lifting her eyes from an animated version of Dr. Seuss’ “Green Eggs and Ham.”
Older students also were excited about the new devices and the possibilities they presented.
“I think it’s a good experience for the little ones and I think it’s a great opportunity for us,” said seventh-grader Christina Covington. “It’s not like a regular book, it’s electronic.”
Bogar said she hoped the Nooks will enable the children not only to grow their book club, but inspire a passion for learning within the program, which focuses on helping students with their homework and encouraging them to learn whenever possible.
Contact Daily News Staff Writer Katie Tammen at 850-315-4440 or ktammen@nwfdailynews.com. Follow her on Twitter @KatieTnwfdn.