Now that school has resumed, the thoughts of young minds (and their parents) turn from summer activities and fun to the joy of learning. With the older kids away during the day, many parents find themselves at home with younger siblings wondering how they might get a jump start on skills the child may need when they are ready to go to class. Want the easy answer? Read together!
Begin reading to your child as early as possible. Even the youngest babies will gradually come to associate books with the warmth of being held by you and the soothing sound of your voice. By establishing reading time as an enjoyable time, youre helping to jump-start a lifetime of reading and learning. Numerous studies have identified the many benefits of early literacy development, benefits that last throughout childhood and beyond. These include:
Expanded vocabulary and writing skills
Healthy social and emotional development
Longer attention spans, promoting better retention of information in school
Enhanced imaginative and critical thinking skills
A sense of closeness and intimacy between parent and child
Enhanced memory and higher levels of concentration
Another important aspect of early literacy is childrens storytime, a traditional offering at most public libraries. Storytime not only continues to build on the benefits outlined above, it also adds the classroom aspect into the mix. Children who attend storytime learn to take turns, develop social skills, and have increased listening & attentions skills. Looking at the readiness indicators in the National Center for Learning Disabilities Observation & Activity Guide, we see that youngsters who follow directions in a simple group game or children who make simple predictions and comments about a story being read to them are demonstrating expressive and receptive language. Cognitive skills, or thinking skills, are fostered when you ask preschoolers to retell a story.
Incorporating crafts with storytime also helps build school preparedness. Choosing a subject, selecting craft pieces, and discussing their choices help children enhance cognitive skills that will help them become readers. Tearing or folding paper, gluing, gripping, and coloring are activities that build fine-motor skills children will need in preschool and kindergarten to become successful. Each storytime includes activities that help strengthen particular skills.
Storytime fosters a smooth transition into school because it gives youngsters an opportunity to practice the skills they will need in kindergarten. Undoubtedly, one of the most important factors of kindergarten readiness is a childs eagerness to learn. Having fun is an important part of learning and life. And guess what? Kindergarten readiness skills are best acquired in settings that are developmentally and play orientedin other words, in library storytime!
The Mancos Public Library hosts a bi-lingual (English & Spanish) Seasonal Circle Storytime for ages 3 - 6 every Wednesday at 11 a.m.