5 Practices of Early Literacy
Drawing and scribbling develop fine motor skills and teach children that print represents spoken sounds. It can also help children develop eye-hand coordination and the fine motor control they need to hold a pencil.
- Ages 0-1:Â Practice activities that build finger muscles, such as picking up Cheerios and grasping toys.
- Ages 1-2:Â Practice activities that build finger muscles, such as crumpling paper, completing simple puzzles, and grasping small objects like shakers, straws, spoons, and more.
- Ages 2-3:Â Explore shapes. Letters are made of shapes, so identifying shapes is a first step towards recognizing letters. Play with physical letters, such as magnets or letters made from playdough.
- Ages 3-5: Color and scribble! Ask your preschooler to write about their drawing. Even if they aren’t writing letters, this helps them recognize that written words stand for spoken words.
Countdown to the New Year
Dec 30th | 10:00am - 11:00am
Ring in the new year with stories, activities, and a balloon-filled finale! Count down with a storytime, then dance the morning away at…
Holidays on Hoopla: Kwanzaa for Kids (ebooks)
Reflect on culture and community with stories about family and tradition featured in this collection of ebooks for kids on Hoopla.
Holidays on Hoopla: Hanukkah for Kids
Create cherished moments of learning & celebration for children and families alike with this collection of various media on Hoopla!
Holidays on Hoopla: Christmas for Kids
Wrap yourself in the warmth of holiday tales with the Christmas for Kids collection, full of festive stories to make the season merry!
Reading Challenge
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten
Unlock your child's potential with this reading challenge. For ages 0-5.
Suggested Websites
Discover new things to do...every day!
Get daily ideas for what to read, watch, sing, and try with your child from the Day By Day Ohio Family Literacy Calendar.
Ready, set, balance!
Why? Writing skills start with a strong core. Think tummy time for babies and standing on one leg for toddlers & preschoolers.
Play with pencils & crayons.
Playing restaurant, bank, or post office? Include paper, pencils, and crayons. Why? This encourages children to develop writing skills.
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.
Erin H.
Erin is a Victorian romance girl, through and through.
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...