|
Youth Enrichment Services, Inc. (YES) is a nonprofit corporation located in the state of New Mexico. The organization collaborates with other nonprofit groups, churches, elementary schools and colleges to provide reading enrichment programs and free books for children in Lincoln and Otero Counties. Suzanne Zoch, director of YES, is a retired educator with thirty years experience teaching children and young adults. She is the author of Growing Up Southern, a book of short stories for children 5-11 years of age, and the following mystery books for children 8-11 years of age: Maggie Whispers, Maggie Fishes and Maggie’s Treasure. An insert in each book contains a discussion guide that may be used by parents or caring adults as they read the book with a child or group of children. The questions are designed to improve a young person’s reading for comprehension skills, problem solving strategies and critical thinking abilities. Each mystery plot also provides an opportunity to discuss prevention issues. Prevention of accidents, violence and substance abuse should be addressed at the elementary level. Youth experience pressure to use alcohol, tobacco and other drugs at increasingly early ages. Dealing with bullying that leads to fighting is a common childhood problem. Adult influence with children ages 8-11 is very important. Young people in this age group generally have good attitudes toward prevention issues. By reading and discussing books that teach nonuse of drugs and peaceful resolutions to problems, caring adult mentors and parents can reinforce the children’s attitudes and help them resist destructive behaviors. Suzanne has also written and illustrated the story color books, The Magic Stone and The Secrets of the Cavern Stones. These stories teach the importance of caring for our natural environment and the animals that populate it. The books are appropriate for ages 5-9. Youth Enrichment Services’ books are sold at through this website. The money from book sales goes back into the non-profit organization to print free books for children. This 501(c)(3) organization also accepts donations which are tax deductible. |
||