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Ninety-five percent of children’s attention goes to the pictures in the book, rather than the text. You can help children notice the print by pointing to a few words as you read. Before you read Blue Goose by Nancy Tafuri, ask your child to pick a color from the back cover of the book. Then as you read the story, trace the word for that color with your finger. See www.SimonSaysKids.com for fun coloring sheets that go along with the book.
--Tip by Mary S., Youth Services Department Head
As children learn to read, they use many of the skills we practice in storytime. One of these skills is phonological awareness, which is the ability to play with parts of words. An easy and enjoyable way for children to practice this skill is by listening to and singing songs. So sing with your children, even if you don’t have perfect pitch! In songs, each syllable has a different note, so children are hearing words being broken down into parts.
These are some of the artists you may hear in storytime: Wiggleworms, Jim Gill, Carole Peterson, Laurie Berkner, Raffi, and more!
--Tip by Claire B., Youth Outreach Coordinator
When reading a book to your child, make it a point to talk about the pictures. Explaining the meaning of words helps increase your child’s vocabulary, an important skill your child needs long before he or she begins to learn to read. Books with photographs of real items are great for reinforcing the names of objects your baby or toddler is learning about.
--Tip by Jan P., Preschool/Childcare Liaison
