1.
Westerville Public Library
[ELY
, ;l1‘E'RACY
welcome to the WPL Youth Department
We invite you to use this map to become acquainted
with the early learning areas in our library, You'll also
+‘irid tips to help extend your child's early literacy learning
in your daily routine, Have questions? Just ask a librarian,
We're happy to help! "

2.
How to use the Literacy Map
As you explore the Youth Services Department.
let your clild dscovar our early literacy areas.
‘ms map otters Sufieestions for providing the
best experience {or your chld at each
location. Stations and activities are always
changing so we invite you to rJ'erJ< back A
regiiarly -For new thrigs to explore
Picture BOOK ltoum
here you'll {ind board books. puzzles.
manipulative toys and picture books
to read aloud with your chld.
Youth Desk F
Youth Staff is available to
answer questions, suggest
books, provide program
information and otter help
anytime you visit the library.
Early Learning stations
These early literacy station ccVnp| I£G'5 are
preloaded with books. games and interactive
programs for your dlild aged 18 inoriths 1*
to7years.
, /s
Reader S
Books in this collection are
designed to prepare your ehld
For reading Titles here have
less text and often focus on
phonetics If your chtd has an
interest in 4 Particular subject,
you'll want to guide hm or her
to non»-Fiction titles to
learn more.
Imagination Station
This interactive station with rotating
themes encourages pretend play. sensory
exploration. sorting and matchiig Let
your rhld lead the expio, /tion as you
guide the expmence by adding detail to
the play.
Activity C enter
The Activity Center s our storytime room. Storytmes
cifier literacy tips {or parents and activities for dlddren,
and highlight great read—aloucl books, No child is too
young -For storytrme! Join us as we sing. build with
blocks. and move to muscl storytrme helps your chld
to be kindergarten ready by socializmg in a group setting
(learning to listen. share. and -follow drectiom) and buids
a love of learning

3.
5 Ways to Prepare JF or Reading
Reading isn’tjust about knowing letters and words. Learning to read actually
starts with building basic life skills, such as putting thoughts into words,
recognizing sounds, and developing the muscles in fingers and wrists for writing.
Practice with your child every day to help build the following literacy skills.
1. Read together
Show that books are fun and enjoyable. A positive attitude towards books will
make your child more likely to want to learn to read.
Choose a time when your child is relaxed and happy. Reread your child's
favorites whenever asked. Keep reading times short and fun.
2. Sing
When you sing, you slow down your speech. Whether you're a good singer or
not, this helps your child hear the smaller sounds in words, learn syllables and
develop vocabulary.
Sing nursery rhymes and ’’real’’ songs. Make up your own songs about what
you're doing, like getting dressed or taking a bath. Recite rhymes and
fingerplays. Repeat them often.
5. Play
Playing encourages your child to put thoughts into words, tell stories, problem
solve and imagine.
Using everyday objects, help your child reimagine them as wands, rocket ships
or wild animals. Invite other children over to encourage social literacy. Play
simple stacking, matching or name-that-thing games.
4. Talk
When you talk to your children about different events and ideas, this helps
them learn new vocabulary and ways to use words they know.
Retell in your own words a story you just read. Read one of your child's
favorite stories, stopping at certain points to ask your child what happens
next. Ask your child to tell you what's happening on the page. Take time to
look closely at the illustrations.
5. Write
Give children opportunities to write, even if it is only scribbles. A child will
begin to understand that print can represent spoken words and will develop
eye-hand coordination and fine motor control.
Give your child crayons or paints for scribbling and drawing. Trace words and
patterns in sand. Play with clay or play dough.
About the Illustrator
Mike Laughead makes comics and creates illustrations -For the children's
market. A graduate o¥ the MFA program at Columbus College o¥ Art
and Design, Mike also teaches and advises students at C C AD. He received
his BFA in Art «From Brigham Young university ’ idaho where he met
his amazing wi¥e, Candace, They have 5 beC7U‘tl‘FUl daughters
mikelaugheazicom

4.
Early Literac y Kits
Ideas 150%’ siiigiiig, talkingf, reacling, writing‘ and
playing with your child pi’e——Kli1d€l'g(]i’f, €i7.
Birth-age 5. Ask at the Youth Services desk. 1 kit per library card.
28-day loan period.
vat Topics
- All about Me
- Alphabet
- Colors
- Counting
o Farm Animals
- Food
- Numbers
- Nursery Rhymes
- Shapes
- Transportation
’/ f."_. ,.7§ Kit Contents
. g1,
79'
l Books
Can you find these things in the departincnt?
- A playground slide like a train - A funny mirror
- A girl eating ice cream - A fire truck
- 2trees - Aglobe
- 7circ| es - Aswan
- A police car
- A school bus
Learn more
Stop by a storytime for more early literacy tips.
Orvisit:
- ohreadytoread. org
-ear| y|it. net
Youth Services
/ 5 ‘ WesterVi| |e Westerville Public Library
| l Librar (614) 882-7277 ext. 5 126 South State Street
3. , Y westervl| |e| ibrary. org Westerville, OH 43081
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