Back to top

Early Learning

Image
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.
Image
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.
Image
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.
Image
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.
Image
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.
Image
red circle with a white pencil in the middle
Image
Sensory Book Bundles now available for checkout.
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.

Image
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.