WSU Tri-Cities launches new educational K-12 activities website, reading program

RICHLAND, Wash. – Washington State University Tri-Cities recently launched a new website to provide educational children’s activities and a new reading program.

The website features several activities for children to take part in from home, and also build Cougar spirit. Students can create a Butch T. Cougar mask, perform science experiements, and even earn WSU prizes.

The website (tricities.wsu.edu/cougar-family-fun) also introduces the new “Super Coug Readers” program in partnership with The Children’s Reading Foundation of the Mid-Columbia, giving children the opportunity to watch videos of WSU Tri-Cities faculty reading their favorite books.

Children can also earn prizes for completing a Super Coug Readers reading calendar and/or completing a “Super Coug Readers Bingo” challenge. 

The project is being led by the WSU Tri-Cities community engagement team in partnership with the WSU Tri-Cities College of Education and The Children’s Reading Foundation of the Mid-Columbia. 

“As a public university, we saw an opportunity to provide children and their families with fun and educational activities that are safe and readily available to complete in their own homes, especially during this unusual time,” said Jaime Heppler, WSU Tri-Cities executive director of advancement and community engagement. “Many parents, such as myself, are looking for engaging activities for their kids. This new website and reading program provide activities that foster learning and curiosity. We are excited to offer this as a resource for our regional families.” 

The new Cougar Family Fun website is available for free and open to the public. The Children’s Reading Foundation of the Mid-Columbia provided supplying WSU Tri-Cities with a collection of children’s books that will be given out at the WSU Tri-Cities Cougar Cupboard sponsored by Lamb Weston food pantry, in addition to food pick-up locations in Pasco and Kennewick for WSU Tri-Cities students and their families.