Storytimes are back!
The Tuscarawas County Public Library System recognizes the important role that parents and caregivers play in their child’s education, and, with this in mind, the library incorporates information about early literacy skills into its storytimes to help parents and caregivers equip children with the tools they need to be ready to read upon entering kindergarten.
“All of the activities we do in storytime – the stories, songs, and movements – are designed to help young children develop literacy skills,” said County Library Director Michelle McMorrow Ramsell. “And getting those children back into our building and together helps to build key social skills.”
According to the Association for Library Service to Children, learning to read begins before children start school. From the time they are infants, children learn language and other important skills that will help them learn to read. The social interactions kids have at an early age are practice for the social interactions they will have as adults. Developing early literacy skills makes it easier for children to learn to read once they begin school.
“We want parents and caregivers to know that they are a child’s first teacher and their homes are where a child begins to learn,” said Tabitha Johnson, Tusky Branch Supervisor. “We enjoy sharing activities and materials that parents and caregivers can do at home that, when incorporated into daily life and done with purpose, can truly help a child be ready to learn to read when they enter kindergarten.”
According to Ramsell, this is why the County Library offers so many opportunities for families with children, from newborns to five years old, to attend interactive storytimes. Getting young children around other children their age helps them to develop social skills like sharing and helps to build relationships skills they will use throughout their lives.
“We want families to know that our libraries have protocols in place to conduct in-person programming in a safe and fun way,” said Ramsell. “Some of the protocols include air purifiers in our program spaces to increase ventilation, limiting the number of attendees, and encouraging social distancing.”
Winter/Spring storytimes at the County Library System run January 31st through April 6th. There is no cost to attend storytime, but registration is required. To view the storytime schedule or to learn about more programs being offered, visit www.tusclibrary.org.
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