Literacy in the Library

TOOLS FOR INSPIRING YOUNG PEOPLE TO BECOME LIFELONG READERS AND LEARNERS

Read for the Fun of It!

May/June 2009

Does your child clamor to be read to over and over again? Does he ask to be taken to the library? Does she play with books on her own? If so, your child is well on the way to developing print motivation skills.

Print motivation, a child's interest in and enjoyment of books, is one of the six early literacy skills kids need to become successful readers. One of the keys to print motivation is to keep reading time fun! The more pleasurable book sharing is, the more frequently it will occur. Here are some tips, grouped by age, to encourage print motivation.

Babies (Newborns – 24 months)

Relax! It's okay if your baby chews on the book. Sturdy board books are perfect for kids this age.

Snuggle and be affectionate when you read together. Your baby will associate these feelings of warmth and security with reading activities.

Toddlers (2 – 3 years)

Read for short periods of time. Having fun reading together is more important than finishing a book.

Try interactive lift-the-flap or pop-up books to engage your child.

Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)

Keep books everywhere: in the car, the toy box, even the kitchen!

Encourage your child’s interests. If they’re passionate about trains, dinosaurs, planets, or any other subject, give true (nonfiction) books a try.

You can also foster your child’s love of books by visiting the library for storytime. Go to http://kids.denverlibrary.org/fun/storytime.html for a list of times and locations.

Visit summerofreading.org or your local branch library to sign your newborn - 5 year-old up for the Read With Me Summer of Reading! Registration begins on May 29.

By Ann Schwab, Senior Librarian, Central Children's Library, The Denver Public Library

Literacy in the Library

Read for the Fun of It!

May/June 2009

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