5 Practices of Early Literacy
When you sing, you slow down words. This helps your child hear the smaller sounds, learn syllables, and develop vocabulary. Singing also helps develop listening and memory skills.
Singing together is a fun bonding experience - whether you're a good singer or not!
- Ages 0-1: Dance to music that you and your baby enjoy. Sing nursery rhymes together, but also listen to your favorite music - your baby may recognize your grown-up tunes.
- Ages 1-2: Create songs about everyday activities, such as changing a diaper or putting on clothes. Adapt the tune “Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush” to “This Is the Way We…”
- Ages 2-3: Clap, shake, or bounce to the beat of songs.
- Ages 3-5: Make up your own words to familiar tunes to create silly songs. Let your child choose unique animals for “Old McDonald Had a Farm” and unique actions for “If You’re Happy and You Know It.”
Summer Reading Challenge
Challenge yourself to a summer of reading for a chance to earn prizes, May 23-July 31.
Summer Reading Challenge
May 23rd - Jul 31st | All day
Challenge yourself to a summer of reading for a chance to earn prizes, May 23-July 31.
Dry Capital of the World: Exhibit Opening
Jun 2nd, All day
Delve into items on display from a massive Anti-Saloon League collection for the first time since returning from the Ohio History Connection
Williams Grill: Exhibit Opening
Jun 2nd, All day
Examine nearly a century of innovation and social change through the lens of this beloved Westerville restaurant.
Summer Reading Challenge
Challenge yourself to a summer of reading for a chance to earn prizes, May 23-July 31.
Summer Reading Challenge
May 23rd - Jul 31st | All day
Challenge yourself to a summer of reading for a chance to earn prizes, May 23-July 31.
Dry Capital of the World: Exhibit Opening
Jun 2nd, All day
Delve into items on display from a massive Anti-Saloon League collection for the first time since returning from the Ohio History Connection
Williams Grill: Exhibit Opening
Jun 2nd, All day
Examine nearly a century of innovation and social change through the lens of this beloved Westerville restaurant.
Reading Challenge
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten
Unlock your child's potential with this reading challenge. For ages 0-5.
Sing and Rhyme
Remember the Itsy Bitsy Spider, opens a new window and Humpty Dumpty, opens a new window? There are thousands of rhymes and fingerplays you can use to brighten up a trip to the grocery store or a long wait at the doctor's office.
Watch these experts perform their favorites, then try them out for yourself!
For more rhymes from Tell Me a Story, opens a new window, visit their YouTube Channel, opens a new window.
Or visit StoryBlocks, opens a new window and Reading Is Fundamental's YouTube channel, opens a new window.
Suggested Websites
Sing me a rhyme!
Make a list of rhyming words and create a tune to go with the words. Why? This helps me hear the smallest sounds in words.
Feel the rhythm!
Bounce your baby or toddler to the beat of your favorite rhymes. This helps children to feel and hear the rhythm of language.
Rhyme time!
On a car trip, pick a word and see how many rhymes you can think of for that word.
Have a dance party!
Let your child choose the songs on the playlist.
Sing me a rhyme!
Make a list of rhyming words and create a tune to go with the words. Why? This helps me hear the smallest sounds in words.
Feel the rhythm!
Bounce your baby or toddler to the beat of your favorite rhymes. This helps children to feel and hear the rhythm of language.
Rhyme time!
On a car trip, pick a word and see how many rhymes you can think of for that word.
Have a dance party!
Let your child choose the songs on the playlist.
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.
