Preschoolers and their parents are invited to enjoy a dinosaur adventure at Parents as Teachers’ Third Annual Roll & Read event on Friday, Oct. 4 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Safety City, 165 S. Concord Street.

Roll & Read is geared specifically for children 5 years old and younger, and their families. The goal of the Parents as Teachers’ event is to make learning fun for preschoolers and their parents. Admission, parking and all activities at the event are free.

“As a parent, you are your child’s first and most important teacher,” said Parents as Teachers’ Program Manager Yvette Parker. “It’s never too early to begin reading with your child. By reading and storytelling with your preschooler, you’re not only preparing them for school, but you’re creating a love of learning that will help them be more successful throughout life.”

Roll & Read kicks off at 10 a.m. with Dr. Martha Buchanan, senior director of the Knox County Health Department, reading Kaye Umansky’s “Stomp Chomp Big Roars, Here Comes the Dinosaurs.” Stories will be read throughout the event by community leaders. Children are invited to come dressed as their favorite dinosaur. Firefighters, paramedics, police officers and other community helpers will be on hand to share the important ways they help children, families and the occasional “dinosaur.” There will be fun, hands-on and physical learning activities along with free giveaways throughout the day, courtesy of the many community agencies participating in this year’s event.

Roll & Read is hosted by Great Schools Partnership and the Knox County Health Department. Parents as Teachers empowers, supports and encourages parents to be their child’s first and most influential teacher, so children have the optimal opportunity to succeed in school and in life. Last school year, Parents as Teachers’ parent educators made more than 1,800 home visits, helping more than 200 Knox County families and 250 preschool children. Parents as Teachers is one of only three home visitation programs in the state that is federally recognized for its proven impact.

For more information on Roll & Read, search for the event on Facebook or call 865-215-4501. #KNOXROLLANDREAD2019

For more information on the Knox County Health Department, please visit knoxcounty.org/health.