5 Practices of Early Literacy
Encourage storytelling and problem-solving by playing together.
Playing encourages your child to put their thoughts into words, tell stories, problem-solve and imagine. All of these skills will help them become better readers and writers when they start school.
- Ages 0-1: Play peek-a-boo! Peek-a-boo helps babies understand that just because they can’t see something, that object still exists. Play in front of a mirror and point to your baby’s body parts.
- Ages 1-2:Â Encourage repetitive play. Your baby may want to spend 30 minutes moving blocks from one bin to another. They are learning about concepts like gravity and motion - encourage them to repeat these simple tasks over and over.
- Ages 2-3: Introduce new vocabulary while you play. Narrate what you are doing. Use the big words and the small words—as many words as you can.
- Ages 3-5:Â Explore open-ended activities and pretend play. Play with art supplies for the sake of play, not to make a specific craft. Encourage imagination.
Play Area
Inspire little ones to put thoughts into words, tell stories, share, and problem-solve with this ever-changing interactive play area.
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Animal Visit | Picture Perfect Ranch (Outside)
Aug 3rd | 10:00am - 12:00pm
See, touch and learn about a variety of farm animals for a live barnyard experience hosted by Picture Perfect Ranch. Animal visitors may…
Adventure of the Lost Treasure: Science Show (Ages 4-11)
Jun 15th | 2:00pm - 2:45pm
Search for hidden treasure - and discover some exciting challenges along the way! Explore air pressure, energy transfer, physical vs.…
Reading Challenge
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten
Unlock your child's potential with this reading challenge. For ages 0-5.
Suggested Websites
Act out different roles together.
Get inspiration for dramatic play with these informational books.
Play with pumpkins!
Use pumpkin goop and seeds as a sensory experience. Squish, squeeze, and pick out the seeds. Share words to describe what you're doing.
E is for exercise!
Do a few simple exercises with your child, such as jumping jacks or touching toes. Talk about why exercise is important to being healthy.
Can you guess?
Take turns trying to describe something without saying the name of the living being, places or thing. Why? This game develops vocabulary.
Annamarie C
Annamarie loves all things Disney! When she's not planning her next storytime, she's likely traveling or volunteering at the Columbus Zoo.
Katie R.
Katie knows all of the tricks to start your baby on the path to lifelong reading.
Raychelle S.
When she’s not recommending a great fantasy read or planning an author event, she’s likely floating in a kayak or trying a new recipe...
Grace G.
When Grace isn't helping students tackle their homework assignments, she's likely devouring a delicious pastry or spending time outdoors.