by Sheri Miller, Whitman County Library Youth Services Manager

Which book got you hooked? As a child, I remember opening Dr. Seuss' Hop on Pop and being able to read for the very first time. Oh, I had opened that same book countless times before entering kindergarten to look at the pictures or have my mom read to me, but on this particular day, I opened the book and read aloud Hop on Pop. It was like magic! I knew the words. I could finally read and I was hooked!  

Back then, little was known about early literacy. Today, we know more. We know better.

According to a recent UCLA study, a child's early exposure to books including being read to each day is crucial for long-term educational success.

Research shows that up to one-third of American children enter kindergarten under prepared to learn, mostly because their early years leave them without the needed language and literacy skills. And, most kids who are poor readers in the first grade continue to be poor readers in the fourth grade and beyond.

Now is the perfect time to adopt a daily reading routine with the child in your life and your public library is the perfect partner. We provide quality books, librarians skilled in children's literature and educational programs that are free! Here are a few tips on how to make reading a daily part of your child's life.

Infants

Reading aloud provides special bonding time for parents and babies. Infants relish hearing the sound of a familiar voice while the words, pictures and stories stimulate their brains and develop pathways for later reading development.

Start gradually. Infants have a short attention span, so keep your reading time brief. Repeat stories and rhymes often so your baby learns new words and sounds.

Discover books together. Babies like brightly colored books with photos of other children and familiar objects. Also, choose books with pop-up pictures that are soft to the touch so your baby can feel different textures.

Many libraries now offer Story times for babies. The Colfax Branch of Whitman County Library offers a Thursday morning program called Baby Time at 10:10am. Parents, grandparents and caregivers provide the cozy lap for any child under age two to participate. It is a fun, early literacy experience for baby.

Toddlers

Reading improves toddlers listening and talking skills and helps them begin to understand words and phrases.

Read and repeat. Toddlers enjoy hearing the same story repeated many times; this helps them make connections between words and pictures. While reading, ask your child to turn the pages and name the objects or guess what will happen next.

Choose the right books. Toddlers like books that show characters doing familiar things. Pick books with only a few words per page and stories that rhyme for extra enjoyment.

Looking for a Toddler Time in your area? Call the Whitman County Library toll free at 1-877-733-3375 for a Storytime suitable for children ages 2-3 or drop in during the Toddler Time at Colfax from 10:30-11:00 am each Thursday.

Preschoolers

As children prepare to enter school, daily reading habits give them an extra boost. Reading builds confidence as well as vocabulary and critical thinking skills, which are important for educational success.

Visit the library often. Make the library a regular part of your activities with your child, and let them choose several books on their favorite topics. Also, ask about free programs you can participate in together like Thursday Pre-school time at 11:00 and Play and Learn group each Friday at 10:00, both in Colfax.

Always have a book nearby. Make sure to always have books available for your children, even while running errands or traveling in the car. Read while waiting at the doctors office or dentist anytime is a good time for reading.

Research shows that a child's brain develops most dramatically in the first five years. It is what parents and caregivers do during these crucial years to support their child's growth that will have a meaningful effect throughout their lifetime.

So whether its a treasured Dr. Seuss book or any one of the wonderful, countless children's titles - Read to your children. Read early, aloud and often!

For more information on early literacy resources and children's programs call or visit your local public library. Whitman County residents can contact me by email , by phone at 509-397-4366 or online at the Whitman County Library website.

 

Besides these programs, Whitman County Library along with the Friends of the Library host many events and programs countywide. For a complete list of events and programs happening in all fourteen Whitman County Library branches, visit the Whitman County Library website or the library's events calendar or call the library at 397-4366 or 877-733-3375 toll-free.

 

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For more information, contact:

Kristie Kirkpatrick at 509-397-4366