Laugh & Learn Preschool Playdates 

According to Kentucky’s 2020 Early Childhood Profile, 55.6% of children in Marshall County are ready for kindergarten.  Children who start kindergarten with delayed development and fewer assets are far more likely to repeat grades, get tracked into lower-tier classes and dropout of high school than more advantaged children.

The Marshall County Agent for Family & Consumer Sciences (FCS) hosted in-person Laugh & Learn playdates outdoors at the local library that allowed preschool age children to participate in a variety of kindergarten readiness activities through play. Each month, the FCS agent demonstrated a variety of activities for families that could be recreated at home.  Activities focused on fine and gross motor, literacy, and math skills. Letters, colors, numbers recognition and other readiness skills were also included.

Families from 18 households were represented at the sessions. Take-home kits included all materials to replicate activities. Parents commented they appreciated the program being offered to their preschool children and the resources were extremely helpful to reinforce concepts at home.