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.
Tear it Up!
Create collages by tearing paper with just your hands. This activity strengthens the muscles needed for gripping a pencil.
Tell Me a Story!
Ask you child to tell you a story. Why? This helps develop imagination and vocabulary.
Spring is Here!
On a nature walk, talk about the changes you see happening outside. Conversations help children learn about the world around them.
Make it a Letter Day!
Find the first letter of your child's name in books or labels. This helps them focus on the print and not just the pictures in a book.
Tear it Up!
Create collages by tearing paper with just your hands. This activity strengthens the muscles needed for gripping a pencil.
Tell Me a Story!
Ask you child to tell you a story. Why? This helps develop imagination and vocabulary.
Spring is Here!
On a nature walk, talk about the changes you see happening outside. Conversations help children learn about the world around them.
Make it a Letter Day!
Find the first letter of your child's name in books or labels. This helps them focus on the print and not just the pictures in a book.
Reading Challenge
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten
Unlock your child's potential with this reading challenge. For ages 0-5.
Suggested Websites
Tear it Up!
Create collages by tearing paper with just your hands. This activity strengthens the muscles needed for gripping a pencil.
Spring is Here!
On a nature walk, talk about the changes you see happening outside. Conversations help children learn about the world around them.
Create an obstacle course with recyclables.
Work together to build an obstacle course with household objects like boxes and bottles. How fast can you finish?
Act out different roles together.
Get inspiration for dramatic play with these informational books.
Tear it Up!
Create collages by tearing paper with just your hands. This activity strengthens the muscles needed for gripping a pencil.
Spring is Here!
On a nature walk, talk about the changes you see happening outside. Conversations help children learn about the world around them.
Create an obstacle course with recyclables.
Work together to build an obstacle course with household objects like boxes and bottles. How fast can you finish?
Act out different roles together.
Get inspiration for dramatic play with these informational books.
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.
