Ready, Set, Read! 5 ways libraries support young learners BY ERIN PAGE
2 Connection to child development experts
1 School-readiness skills at story time Story times are the heart of early childhood programs at most libraries. Traditional sit-down and bilingual story times are a mainstay, but programs also incorporate movement, scavenger hunts, rhyming games and flannel boards or other visuals. The Warr Acres library even hosted an alpaca story time — including a visit from a real alpaca! In addition to having fun, littles ones gain skills they’ll use when they start school. “Story times teach kids how to follow directions and take turns,” said Williamson. “Getting used to structure and interacting with other kids is really beneficial.” This intentional time with a parent or caregiver also helps foster a lifelong love of learning. My early days of motherhood were punctuated by weekly visits to the Northwest Library where I found programs for my little ones that helped inspire their love of reading. There weren’t many places an exhausted, overwhelmed mama of a 4-year-old, toddler and newborn could feel entirely welcome, but the library was always a place where I knew we’d not only be welcomed but included. As my three children have grown, so have the programs offered by Metropolitan Library System. Most locations offer early childhood programs every week. Kristin Williamson, children’s services manager for the Metropolitan Library System, shares five impactful ways our local libraries help ensure little ones are school-ready and families are supported.
Another long-standing program is 123! Play with Me!, where children enjoy a variety of toy stations while parents chat with resource professionals about topics like child development, nutrition, speech and language, school readiness and oral health. Parents may discuss topics from introducing new foods to picky eaters and safe sleep habits to behavior concerns and delays. “Families can connect to speech pathologists, child development specialists or behavioral therapists who can help determine if a child should be assessed or [needs] resources,” said Williamson. “If a child has a delay or needs early interventions, getting those early helps them be even more prepared to start learning [when they enter school].” The program is offered at most locations in the spring and fall. Program days and times vary by location. 3 Music & movement appreciation Regular Music & Movement classes include Itty Bitty Dance Parties, where kids might wave scarves or maracas to the beat, as professional music teachers lead activities. The Downtown location offers Story Time Jam, where little ones try out a variety of instruments. “Music is actually an important part of literacy,” said Williamson. “When you’re singing songs and hear the rhythm and syllables, that helps kids break down words into smaller parts, which helps when they are learning to read to break up and sound out words.” 4 Free books! Of course, parents can check out the wide variety of board books, picture books, easy readers and read-along audio books especially for little ones. But families can also build their home libraries with free books to keep. Thanks to a partnership with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, patrons of the Metropolitan Library System who live in Oklahoma County can receive free books every month for children under the age of 5. Funding from Friends of the Metropolitan Library System and the State of Oklahoma ensures that any child, from birth to age 5, receives a developmentally appropriate book in the mail every month. Parents and caregivers can sign up at supportmls.org/ imagination-library.
“It creates a bond and a warm memory of sitting in their caregiver’s lap while reading a book, which helps associate books with love,” said Williamson.
16 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JAN-FEB 2024
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