Early Learning

a young child reading a book with his parents

TALK

Speaking to your child in the language that you know best allows them to build a larger vocabulary. Children start learning language from their families.
Asking children questions that start with “why” encourages thinking, talking, and using their imaginations.
Slowing down your conversation speed gives children time to respond because they are still developing the thought-to-speech process.

orange circle with a white speech bubble in the middle

READ

Let them catch YOU reading. The best way to encourage your child to read is to let them see you enjoying reading.
Rereading and discussing a story is a wonderful way to help your child build an understanding of the story’s plot and learn new vocabulary.
Sharing a book with your child does not mean having to read what is written. It can also mean talking about the pictures or asking the child to tell you a story.

teal circle with a white book in the middle

PLAY

Playing games like “I Spy” (I spy something red) or “Can you” (can you find something red?) are easy games that build memory and concentration.
Acting out a story with props like stuffed animals is a fun way to bring books to life. Ask your child to help you create silly voices for the characters for your story.
Allowing some unstructured playtime for children will encourage the growth of their imagination, storytelling, and language skills.

purple circle with a white toy rabbit in the middle

SING

Singing songs with your child is fun! This is a great bonding activity and can help build their vocabulary.
Clapping, tapping, or singing your child’s name or nursery rhymes slows down your speech patterns and allows your child to hear the parts of the words. This will help them create a better understanding of language.
Incorporating singing into your diaper changing routine can help calm your wiggly baby and help build pre-reading skills.

yellow circle with a white music note in the middle

WRITE

Scribbling may not look like much but it is a necessary step in the process of learning how to form the lines that make shapes and letters.
Drawing, playing with playdough, and lacing activities help to develop the necessary skills and hand muscle strength for writing.
Using your child’s fingers to draw in sand, paint, shaving cream, or water builds the hand eye coordination required for writing.

red circle with a white pencil in the middle

Sensory Book Bundles

Sensory Book Bundles are now available for checkout! Each kit includes 5 preschool-aged sensory books with a mini set of activities that target fine motor skills and information for parents and caregivers about other useful resources.

Launchpads

a young Black boy is wearing headphones and looking at a tablet while reclining on a chair

Playaway Reading Academy Launchpad

This 5-level guided reading system helps kids master verbal, reading, and writing skills — starting at any level. Every app, storybook, and video has been hand-selected to help kids gain the knowledge they need to transition from learning-to-read to reading-to-learn. Checkout is limited to one Launchpad at a time per library card. Click here to find it in our catalog.