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.
Spring for Kids (Digital Collection)
Sunshine, stories, and springtime fun! Kids can find it all on Hoopla.
Costume Swap: Free Shopping Day
Sep 19th | 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Looking for a costume to wear for Halloween, a theater production, Comic-Con, or themed party? Check out our selection of new and…
Costume Swap: Accepting Donations
Aug 1st - Sep 19th | All day
Clear out space from your closet while making someone else’s costume dreams come true! Donate your new or gently used costumes and…
Sustainability Fair
Aug 29th | 10:00am - 2:00pm
Spend a day dedicated to sustainability, conservation, and community action. Declutter responsibly, fix a broken item, or learn a new…
Spring for Kids (Digital Collection)
Sunshine, stories, and springtime fun! Kids can find it all on Hoopla.
Costume Swap: Free Shopping Day
Sep 19th | 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Looking for a costume to wear for Halloween, a theater production, Comic-Con, or themed party? Check out our selection of new and…
Costume Swap: Accepting Donations
Aug 1st - Sep 19th | All day
Clear out space from your closet while making someone else’s costume dreams come true! Donate your new or gently used costumes and…
Sustainability Fair
Aug 29th | 10:00am - 2:00pm
Spend a day dedicated to sustainability, conservation, and community action. Declutter responsibly, fix a broken item, or learn a new…
Reading Challenge
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten
Unlock your child's potential with this reading challenge. For ages 0-5.
Suggested Websites
How are you feeling?
Giving children different words for their feelings will help them better express themselves at home and at school.
Tear it up!
Create collages by tearing paper with just your hands. Why? This activity strengthens the muscles needed for gripping a pencil.
Play I Spy!
Pick a letter and try to find it on a walk, in the store or at the library. Learning the names for letters is an important prereading skill.
Autumn leaves are falling.
Gather some leaves and sort them into piles by color, size, shape or type.
How are you feeling?
Giving children different words for their feelings will help them better express themselves at home and at school.
Tear it up!
Create collages by tearing paper with just your hands. Why? This activity strengthens the muscles needed for gripping a pencil.
Play I Spy!
Pick a letter and try to find it on a walk, in the store or at the library. Learning the names for letters is an important prereading skill.
Autumn leaves are falling.
Gather some leaves and sort them into piles by color, size, shape or type.
Kristen C.
When she’s not working with kids here at the library, you might find her on the bike trail or baking up a sweet treat.
Ashleigh M.
Ashleigh loves to see people grow and become their best selves here at the library.
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.
Kristen C.
When she’s not working with kids here at the library, you might find her on the bike trail or baking up a sweet treat.
Ashleigh M.
Ashleigh loves to see people grow and become their best selves here at the library.
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.
