Prairie Public
PRAIRIE PUBLIC Est. 1964 • prairiepublic.org Moorhead | Crookston
IMPACT STORY
Prairie Public & Legacy Funding Impact Families with the Learning Express Library Tour Prairie Public’s Learning Express, a free educational resource, traveled directly to libraries with special Minnesota-themed resource bins designed to promote interest in and appreciation of our state’s arts, music, and culture. We purchased educational resources, created lesson plans, linked to media connections, and wrote discussion questions for four “bins” of resources specifically focused on Minnesota themes: Minnesota Arts and Artists, Minnesota Music and Dance, Native American Heritage, and Minnesota Authors. Nearly 1,000 Minnesota children and families at 10 sites interacted with the resources during the Learning Express Minnesota Library Tour. Program coordinators at each site were asked to rate the effectiveness of the project based on its goals: to provide Northwest Minnesota libraries access to early childhood resources that are not normally available. All of the libraries found that the aims of the project either met or exceeded their expectations. These resources and activities are aimed at developing early childhood literacy, language development, resilience, cooperation, and social skills. 1. Bemidji Public Library: March 3-14, 40 children 2. Walker Public Library: March 17-28, 172 children. They offered special classes using the Minnesota Music, Minnesota Arts, and Minnesota Stories bins. 3. Park Rapids Area Library: March 31-April 11, 97 children 4. Blackduck Community Library: April 21-May 2, 21 children 5. Hallock Public Library: May 5-9, 135 children. They reported they had programming every day and had local daycares and Headstart families participate. 6. Godel Warren Public Library: May 12-16, 154 children 7. Thief River Falls Library: May 19-23, 125 children. They reported that the Minnesota Music bin was very popular.
Legacy funding is a vital part of Prairie Public’s mission to educate, inspire, and inform the people of northwest Minnesota with compelling stories, educational resources, and nurturing partnerships. The documentation and preservation of Minnesota’s history, art, and culture is an asset that will serve generations. Prairie Public’s passion to curate locally produced content into educational resources for application in schools by educators and students is a testament to the limitless benefit of the grant funding and its impact on learning. And finally, Prairie Public’s conscious efforts to connect with audiences across multiple platforms enable increased user experiences through broad accessibility.
Learning Express visits Ashdown Forest School, Breezy Point, MN
“The relationship between the topics that my station covers and my interests in the arts in my community are astounding! I learn so much and it’s not only interesting but also educational.” – MPTA Survey Respondent
Learning Express visits Pine River Library, Pine River, MN
Veterans Wellness Focus
Minnesota Resources Library Tour
Connecting with Audiences
Prairie Public’s military- focused content provided a platform for Minnesota veterans to share their war stories, PTSD challenges, and adjustments to post- war civilian life. The documentary Wounded connected volunteer groups from throughout Minnesota who provide outdoor adventures and therapeutic activities to veterans as a resource of comradeship, support, and healing.
Our Learning Express mobile educational resources trailer visited 10 Minnesota public libraries and engaged with more than 1,000 children. The activities were aimed at developing early childhood literacy, language development, and social skills. Special Minnesota- themed resource bins were designed to promote interest in and appreciation of Minnesota’s arts, music, and culture.
Prairie Public hosted in- person screenings and panel discussions related to three Legacy-funded documentaries: Chosen Home , Wounded , and It’s Never Left Me . The events focused on the challenges and successes of creating a new life in Minnesota as an immigrant, and the effects of war on veterans and their families.
“ABSOLUTELY recommend! The kids loved playing and exploring with the materials and trying new things. Great way to use Legacy Funds!” - Thief River Falls Library “Most rural families in our community do not have access to materials like this. There are very few programs for PreK-aged children. It was so nice to grab the already packed and designed bins!” - Blackduck Community Library Feedback from Northwest Minnesota Library Tour: Learning Express visits Walker Public Library, Walker, MN
8. Roseau Library: May 26-June 3, 162 children 9. Climax Public Library: June 4-12, 44 children 10. Pine River Library: June 16-25, 135 children
102
103
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator