Lorna Cruz of the Tinian Public Library said Kukunitus is Chamorro for the world’s favorite insect, a colorful spotted ladybug.
Cruz said the program is geared toward addressing the learning standards for children 4 to 7 years old.
The Kukunitus Program’s objectives is to prepare children to enter school next month with improved levels of foundational skills in language, reading, and mathematics.
Cruz said basic computer skills are also introduced to 6 and 7 year old kids.
The Kukunitus Program is held four days a week — from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Monday to Thursday.
“The daily activities are based on accountability movement in education and build upon research on what the children must know and able to do. The activities provide experiences to encourage the children to stretch to a reasonable amount of effort to acquire new skills,” Cruz said.
Tutors for the Kukunitus Program are Workforce Investment Agency trainees for the summer, volunteers and teaching staff with many years of education experience.
Among the values taught by the Kukunitus Program include instilling among children the love for learning, acquiring the ability to make choices and discovering a sense of their own competence.
Cruz said the pilot Kukunitus Program has reached its maximum capacity with a waiting list.
The Tinian Public Library will analyze its data after the program to determine the design of the next youth development program to be implemented.
The Tinian Public Library extends its appreciation to Mayor Ramon Dela Cruz for his support to the library and the Kukunitus Program.
For more information about the Tinian Public Library, call 234-5498.
