Books All Summer!

As our Emergent Reader Activity highlights this week, libraries of all kinds are wonderful places to involve children in reading. Research shows that the more books a child has access to, the greater chance he or she has of becoming a successful reader. So, encourage your families to visit the library often.

Please click on the above link for a sample of our free weekly emergent reader activities.

We love libraries and all they have to offer our young set, from story times to computers to coloring sheets. Just feeling positive about library activities goes a long way to encouraging literacy. Children's librarians are masters of motivation!

There is something else to consider when thinking about summer reading. Research shows that children who own books consider these personal treasures to be favorites. And better yet, children who choose their books often read and reread them. For our preschoolers this means developing Concept of Print/Word and even learning a few sight words.  

Many times series books are helpful such as the Llama, Llama books by Anna Dewdney. Series books allow children to meet familiar characters along with a known writing style. This means children can focus on vocabulary and fluency. This is especially important for our ELLs. 

Some communities offer programs to give books away. You can also suggest families take children to garage sales where children's books are often offered. Remind adults that children should choose their own books from the boxes that are often available. 

For ELLs:
Encourage families to read to children in their home language. Research shows that reading to children in any language is important for literacy development. Often families need to be encouraged to do this. Your local librarian is usually more than happy to help find books in other languages. Just ask!  

Standards Alignment:
NAEYC - 2.E.04
Head Start - VII.A.1-5.