Rosson children began reading at early age

Two summer readers began participating in the Scurry County Library’s reading program before they were old enough to sign up for library cards. And they are still at it.
Daniel Rosson, 5, and Anna Rosson, 7, of Ira, have been participating in story time at the library since they were toddlers. This summer, they have been participating in the Summer Reading Program.
They are the children of Justin and Meagan Rosson.
Anna Rosson has participated in story time since she was 18 months old. Meagan Rosson, a stay-at-home mother, said she began taking Anna to the library in order to meet other mothers and to get out of the house.
“We started early because you have to be two years old and it was before the Lap Lambs program was started,” she said. “The kids always have a good time and for us things slow down almost to a halt in the summer, so this gives them something to do.”
Both children have become avid readers, and like the perks that come with the summer program.
“I like the books you can read to get coupons and prizes,” Anna Rosson said. “The first one was a coupon from McDonald’s for ice cream.”
Meagan Rosson said her daughter was motivated to get a prize and read her first three hours on her own in three days.
Anna Rosson’s favorite books are part of the Magic Tree House series, but some of the first books she read were the Berenstein Bears series. She recently started reading chapter books.
Daniel Rosson is following in her footsteps with the Berenstein Bears collection, which was a gift from their grandmother.
Meagan Rosson said her children like the library programs.
“We would have never been exposed to tae kwon do,” she said. “We got to see bricks being lit on fire and then crushed.”
Both children said they like watching the magic tricks by Harlan the Magician, who performs each year during the opening ceremonies.
Meagan Rosson said participating in the library activities prepares her children for school.
“It taught my kids to listen to teachers, follow instructions and social interaction,” she said. “We have done other things, but story time at the library has been very important. You can’t find a better library staff.”
The Rossons have added to their book collection and read at home as well.
Daniel Rosson said he has three shelves of books at home.
“I have tons of books on my shelves,” he said. 
But he said he still likes visiting the library.
“The books, there (have) different pictures on the books,” he said. “There’s lots of books.”
The Rossons try to participate in the summer reading program every year.
“We’ve mainly done the read to me, so this is her first year she (Anna Rosson) has read to herself,” Meagan Rosson said. “I always tell other parents that it takes time and consistency for them (children) to learn to sit and listen to stories and participate in story time.”
Meagan Rosson said she read that it is important to read to children and give them socialization skills. She has tried to follow that advice.
She said vacation Bible school and time with friends and family helped her children with socialization skills.
Both Daniel and Anna Rosson said they like to read because it makes them smarter. They also like to play outside, ride bikes, watch movies and play video games.