| The Write Stuff | |
Stringing crafts--like making macaroni necklaces-- are great for helping your child get ready to write because they help develop manual dexterity. Sometimes young children get frusturated by these crafts, however, because the yarn frays or the string is so flimsy that it's difficult to get the object to go on the end. Next time you want to do a stringing craft with your child, try using a pipe cleaner. Pipe cleaners are more stable than string, and they are the perfect size to fit a large bead or a Cheerio. Plus, it's really easy to turn it into a bracelet when your child is finished stringing! |
| In the Small, Small Pond |
Print Motivation, or the love of reading, is one the most beneficial things you can give your child! Kids who love reading will want to do it more often, and the other skills they will need to become successful readers will come more naturally. How do you help your child learn that reading is fun? One way is to make books come to life, and this summer KDL will have a program that does just that!
At our In the Small, Small Pond programs, young children will have hands-on experiences with Denise Fleming's beautiful story. They will wiggle through tunnels like tadpoles, make their own dragonflies and turtles, catch fish like herons, and more! All of these fun activities will provide positive associations with reading, as well as bonding time with you!
Pick up a summer Kaleidoscope at any KDL branch, or check out our online calendar of events to find out when this program will be at a branch near you!
|
|
Greetings!
The Kent District Library wants to help get your child ready to read and write! In this newsletter, you will find FUN and simple activities to do with your child that will help meet that goal. For more information on the skills your child needs before he or she learns to read, visit the Play-Grow-Read section of the KDL website. You can also stop by any KDL branch--our youth librarians would love to share their knowledge with you!
|
| Learning with Crafts! |
Nature Baggie Books
Take a walk with your child, and afterwards, create a keepsake that will help him or her get ready to read!
As you walk around your neighborhood, help your child collect everyday natural objects like small pine cones, acorns, and stones. When you get home, glue the objects onto thick cardstock papers and label them. When the pages dry, slip two papers at at time (with the objects facing out) into plastic zip storage bags. When you are finished, zip the bags closed and stack the bags sideways on top of each other so that all the zippers are on the left side. Tape the bags together along the zippers with masking tape. This will serve as the book's binding.
As you read this book with your child, use descriptive words and questions. For example, "Here is our rock. It looks jagged and gray. How do you think it would feel?" This is a great way to increase your child's vocabulary, which will help him or her get ready to read! |
| Music Madness! |
The Rockabye Baby! series of lullaby renditions by famous musicians is a great way to share your favorite music with your child without having to worry about grown-up lyrics or overpowering sounds. Each album includes instrumental songs that have been remastered into calming tunes that can be played at bedtime or anytime. The album inserts are very creative and include activities to do with your child. Featured artists include The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Coldplay, and many more--even Tool and Kayne West.
The series has a dedicated website that talks about press they have received. Also, check out the blog. |
| Nursery Nook |
Singing with your child is a great way to help him or her develop phonological awareness, which is the ability to hear and play with the smaller sounds in words. This month, take time to sing an old classic with a new twist!
Cows in the Barn
(Tune: The Wheels on the Bus)
The cows in the barn go
Moo, moo, moo
Moo, moo, moo
Moo, moo, moo
The cows in the barn go
Moo, moo, moo
Moo-moo all day long!
Children love animals and they love repeating animal sounds. This song puts the two together for a fun vocabulary matching song. Help develop your child's vocabulary by singing about different animals and the sounds they make. Stop by your nearest KDL branch to check out a book about your child's favorite animal. |
|
|
