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.
Back to School: Routines for Learning & Easing Anxiety
We’ve gathered our favorite back-to-school tips for parents with an engaging reading list featuring bedtime stories & skill-building books.
Ballet Folclórico Xochihua: Hispanic Heritage Month
Sep 13th | 3:00pm - 3:30pm
Enjoy a dance performance by Ballet Folclórico Xochihua celebrating Mexican folklore and traditions.If your child is ages 2-7, you or…
Science Time: Dinosaurs
Nov 18th | 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Explore a different STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art or Math) concept each month through stories, songs & hands-on…
Turtle Island: Native American Heritage Month
Nov 1-31st | All Day
Read about different tribes' origin stories of Turtle Island - a name used by some Indigenous peoples to refer to the story of creation.
Back to School: Routines for Learning & Easing Anxiety
We’ve gathered our favorite back-to-school tips for parents with an engaging reading list featuring bedtime stories & skill-building books.
Ballet Folclórico Xochihua: Hispanic Heritage Month
Sep 13th | 3:00pm - 3:30pm
Enjoy a dance performance by Ballet Folclórico Xochihua celebrating Mexican folklore and traditions.If your child is ages 2-7, you or…
Science Time: Dinosaurs
Nov 18th | 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Explore a different STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art or Math) concept each month through stories, songs & hands-on…
Turtle Island: Native American Heritage Month
Nov 1-31st | All Day
Read about different tribes' origin stories of Turtle Island - a name used by some Indigenous peoples to refer to the story of creation.
Reading Challenge
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten
Unlock your child's potential with this reading challenge. For ages 0-5.
Suggested Websites
All By Myself!
Give preschoolers opportunities to complete simple tasks on their own. This will help give them the confidence they need in school.
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.
All By Myself!
Give preschoolers opportunities to complete simple tasks on their own. This will help give them the confidence they need in school.
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.
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.
