FOCUS: Tubman book featured in Magnolia’s Children Garden

By Herb Frazier  | In honor of Black History Month, Tri-County First Steps has placed in the Children’s Garden at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens the book “Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom,” by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by Kadir Nelson.

This book is a tribute to Tubman’s strength, humility, and ability to navigate nature and the outdoors. It is the perfect book for children 5- to 8-years old. Scan a QR code on the book’s cover to hear an interactive storytelling session narrative by Dorchester County First Steps Director Crystal Campbell.

Parents can listen to the story using their cellphones to enjoy Campbell’s lyrical story that brings the full radiance of Tubman’s life. Pages of the book have been placed on 16 story boards along a winding path in the garden.

Tri-County First Steps partnered with Magnolia to bring the first early childhood story walk in a Lowcountry public garden. Research shows the value of interactive and experiential learning beginning in early infancy. The First Steps offices in Berkeley and Charleston counties are also part of the Tri-County First Steps.

While listening and touring the story walk, teachers and parents can connect the story with the South Carolina Early Learning Standards. Some of the domains and standards that can be taught using this book include emotional and social development and mathematical thinking and expression.

Magnolia is one of several local organizations that partner with First Steps in a program called the Tri-county Play Collaborate. The group’s goal is to ensure that all tri-county children and families have equitable access to public spaces such as gardens, museums and libraries. Through its community partnerships, the group also promotes the South Carolina early learning standards.