Get Help Getting the Little Ones Ready for School at the Library
How about a little baby talk?
As in: Yes, Mom and Dad, your “babies” really are getting ready for preschool and kindergarten this month. But don’t worry, the library has got you covered.
August programs at the Springfield-Greene County Libraries promise fun Storytimes for children. But they also give parents tips on preparing their children for school.
The free sessions are scheduled at different times on weekdays and weekends at many of the 10 branches.
Preschool Storytimes offer a setting much like the classroom, where children learn some social and classroom skills. Children are expected to pay attention, not speak when the storyteller is speaking, take turns, be courteous to one another and respect others’ space. The crafts allow them to become familiar with crayons, scissors, tape, glue and paint.
Children’s librarians help get kids and parents excited about kids’ books. And the act of coming to the library and selecting their own books helps children learn to make choices and become independent learners.
Librarians also model the best way for parents to read books – using sounds and dramatic voices that draw children in. By reciting nursery rhymes and songs, adults also learn the value of play in developing vocabulary.
In addition to Storytimes at most branches, the Library Center will have back-to-back programs on Saturday, Aug. 14 in the Story Hour Room. At 10:30 a.m., children ages 2-4 are invited for stories and activities in Get Ready for Preschool! At 11 a.m. children ages 4-5 can come for stories to Get Ready for Kindergarten! Registration for both sessions begins Monday, Aug. 2; call 882-0714.
There’s one more thing you can do to help the little ones in your family get off to a great start this fall: help them get their very own library card so they can carry home their favorite picture books, music, toys and videos.
With a library card, your beginning reader can find friends in memorable characters, take amazing journeys, all the while building skills and habits to help them succeed in school and in life.
Library card applications and details are available at any branch or the bookmobile. For details, ask a librarian or go to thelibrary.org, click on Library Info, then Library Cards.
Find this article at http://thelibrary.org/blogs/article.cfm?aid=1039&lid=62