Winter Family Read Aloud

Today Emily and I visited the Naperville Public Library and signed up for their new Family Read Aloud program "Paws to Read" which started today. We have the whole month to do at least 8 things suggested on their list. Then we can get another log for January and for February.  It's a wide range of ideas meant for children through 5th grade and their families. What a cool way to do things together as a family! (And who doesn't like to win fun prizes, too?)

Here are some of the great ideas~
Watch a movie based on a children's book
Read a non-fiction book together about a favorite topic
Read to your pet, neighbor's pet, or stuffed animal

Given Emily's age, for starters, we plan to~
Read together out loud or silently
Attend a library program
Listen to a children's music CD

You can read more about it and get great suggestions for read alouds on their awesome new kid's blog.

This is a free program for Naperville residents, but if you live near, but not in Naperville, you can sign up your whole family for $5. If you are not nearby, check out your local library. They often have reading programs or activities during the winter months. And if you are snowed in this winter, pull out whatever books, games, music, recipes or other activities you have on hand and spend time with your family. You'll be glad you did.

What literacy activities do you like to do with your family?

Sharing

Today on facebook, I stumbled on two articles that I thought worth sharing.

The first is about what libraries have to offer.
"Evolving Libraries say 'Check us out now.'"


The second is about getting kids to read.
"How to get your kid to be a fantastic reader."

Enjoy.

Lapsit

Today, Emily and I went to Lapsit, a storytime for babies at the Naperville Public Library. This program for the under 2 crowd is a wonderful way to engage children at this age, and the staff at Naperville always do a fantastic job. The 20 minute program consists of lots of fingerplays, songs and one or two short board books. Afterward, everyone is invited to stay in the room to read or meet other families.
While this was not Emily's first storytime, it was definitely the one she was most animated at. She squealed in delight throughout. It was hard to tell what her favorite thing was: seeing other babies, bouncing on my lap as I did silly things with my fingers, or seeing the baby doll that Miss Jill used as her prop.
One of the books was especially cute.

Baby Cakes by Karma Wilson (illustrated by Sam Williams) is a board book in rhyme that in encourages lots of kisses and hugs. It has a nice rhythm, perfect for bouncing baby while reading. I'll be looking to check this one out to read again at home next chance we get.




Does your library have a program for babies? Many do. It's a great way to bond with your child. And it's never too soon to start encouraging a love of books.

Celebrate Library Card Sign Up Month!

Library's have lots of cool weeks and celebrations. September is "National Library Card Sign Up Month."

Did you know many public libraries have no age restriction on getting a child a library card? Some let you do it at birth, others when the child can sign his name. (The guidelines are different for every library.) Some even have promotional things to make it even more exciting, like getting a picture taken with a very first library card.

Why is a library card so important? Books and reading open up worlds of knowledge, information and imagination. Libraries are places to engage us, educate us and even entertain us. It really is amazing what you can find and do at the library. And sure, you can go to the library and do many of these things without a library card. But the card is a ticket to more.

The public library has countless books to choose from. Even the smallest library can get books from other libraries through inter-library loan. These books can supplement even the best stocked personal library. Providing an abundance of books for children encourages them to want to read.


Some libraries do fun things as an incentive to sign up in September. Check out your local library this month and see all the wonderful things a library card can bring you and your family.

If your library is doing somethings special this month to celebrate, please comment and add a link.

Get your library cards today!