VISITING MUSEUM SENDS KIDS MESSAGE THAT LEARNING IS FUN

KENNETT -- Area students got to see first hand that learning can indeed be fun, as The Boot~heel Youth Museum visited South Elementary School in Kennett.

The Bootheel Youth Museum, situated in Malden, is a not-for-profit organization that brings hands-on learning to children throughout Southeast Missouri.

It is the group's mission to provide programs and exhibits in math, science, natural resources, human relations and the arts.

The museum operators hope to encourage children to pursue their interests.

"The Bootheel Youth Museum is a wonderful organization," said Shelia Holifield, counselor at South Elementary. "The organization does some great things, and the children are able to have fun but still learn some valuable lessons."

The museum encourages children to learn things on their own, which develops independence among students. By concentrating on learning skills, students discover they have free access to information and knowledge.

The concept sends to children the message that learning can be exciting. "Our students loved this experience," Holifield said.

The museum was brought to the school by Kennett Community 2000 and was set up at the Community 2000 Truth or Dare Health Fair last week before it was moved into the school.

"All of our students have had the opportunity to attend the museum and spend some time with all of the learning exercises and games," Holifield said. "It has been something that not only the students loved, but the teachers enjoyed as well."

Parent volunteers helped with the museum.