Notes from Storytime

Encourage Writing

In the book Bunny Cakes by Rosemary Wells, writing is very important to the story. You can have your child draw pictures and “write” lists. As you walk or drive around, point out signs and read what they say. That is how your child will become aware that print is all around them. Writing can be very motivating. It helps children make the connection between the spoken and the written word. Encourage your children to write. You could begin by making a shopping list together the next time you go shopping.

–Tip by Julie D., Elementary School Liaison

By eemerick on August 6, 2012 Categories: Print Awareness

Baby’s First Words

Phonological awareness means learning about sounds in words. Even though young children do not understand the meanings of rhymes, it is important for them to hear them. By six months babies are already able to recognize the sounds of the languages they hear. They also are losing those sounds they don’t hear even though they were born able to learn to make them. Remember to talk to your children, read with them, and sing songs. All of these activities contribute to preparing children for school and reading later on.

–Tip by Claire B., Youth Outreach Coordinator

By eemerick on July 23, 2012 Categories: Phonological Awareness

Rah, Rah, Radishes!

Try learning the names of flowers, trees and other plants in your yard, at the park, or in your neighborhood. Learning these names is a great way to expand your child’s vocabulary. The book Rah, Rah, Radishes!: A Vegetable Chant by April Pulley Sayre has lots of fun vegetable names to get you started.

–Tip by Keary B., Youth Collection Specialist

By eemerick on July 9, 2012 Categories: Vocabulary

Describe Things

Part of narrative skills is being able to describe things. For example, when you talk about the colors and shapes and textures of your child’s clothing, or what kinds of things your child’s toys do, it gives your child new words. Embellishing your descriptions of events of the day may help children recall an experience and the words associated with it. Researchers say participating in these activities will make it easier for your child when it comes time for formal reading instruction.

–Tip by Jan P., Preschool/Childcare Liaison

By eemerick on June 25, 2012 Categories: Narrative

Alphabet Books

Many alphabet books do not have a story that goes in order. When you share that kind of alphabet book with your child, you do not need to read it from beginning to end. Farms ABC: An Alphabet Book by B.A. Hoena and Alphabet Animals: A Slide-and-Peek Adventure by Suse MacDonald are two examples of alphabet books without stories. Let your child choose a page that looks interesting to him or her. Let them trace the letter with their fingers and talk about the letter and the pictures that go with it.

–Tip by Carol C., Youth Programming Assistant

By eemerick on June 11, 2012 Categories: Letter Knowledge

Examples of Text in the Story

The books Guji Guji by Chih-Yuan Chen, The Odd Egg by Emily Gravett, and Foxy and Egg by Alex T. Smith each illustrate a use of text in everyday life, such as the characters reading a book or following a recipe. Point out these examples of text to your child as you’re reading! This helps children become aware of the print around them in their world.

–Tip by Erin E., Youth Programming Coordinator

By eemerick on May 28, 2012 Categories: Print Awareness

Stories in Rhyme

Take advantage of every opportunity to play with rhyme and the sounds of words. Research shows that children who play with sounds of words in their preschool years are better prepared to read when they get to school. This is called phonological awareness. Share a good rhyming book with your child, such as Down by the Cool of the Pool by Tony Mitton.

–Tip by Barb M., Youth Programming and Outreach Assistant

By eemerick on May 14, 2012 Categories: Phonological Awareness

Zorina Ballerina

You can help your child understand words they that they may not know by offering a little explanation as you go along. If you prefer, you can explain these words before you start the book. Research notes that the more words your children know and understand, the more vocabulary they have, the easier it will be for them when they begin to read. When you read Zorina Ballerina by Enzo Giannini, be sure to explain the definitions of words like “glamorous,” “rehearsal,” and “caravan” to your child as you read.

–Tip by Julie D., Elementary School Liaison

By eemerick on April 30, 2012 Categories: Vocabulary

Duck, Duck, Goose

When we play along with the storytime theme, by doing rhymes and songs that reinforce the books we read, we are helping to transfer the words, ideas, and energy of storytime into children’s lives. By making books and related activities fun, we are motivating children to want more. That’s print motivation! You can do this at home by reading a story to your child then doing another activity, like a song or rhyme, that is about the same thing.

–Tip by Keary B., Youth Collection Specialist

By eemerick on April 23, 2012 Categories: Print Motivation

Retelling Stories

When we talk about a story after reading it, we are helping children to remember what they heard. Using props to retell a story after you’ve read it can be a fun way for children to remember and internalize stories. You can use puppets or props around the house to act out a story. This strengthens comprehension and narrative, two skills that are important for success when your child is learning to read, and throughout his or her education.

–Tip by Claire B., Youth Outreach Coordinator

By eemerick on April 17, 2012 Categories: Narrative