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Photo of the Week
Hot Tip
Let them hold books! Did you know that simply holding a book is an early literacy skill?
Babies enjoy books by grasping, opening, and closing them, and turning those thick cardboard stock pages.
Playing with books is not just fun and games, it’s a key skill!
When babies and toddlers handle books, they build manual dexterity, fine motor skills, and that all-important positive association. That’s right—playing with books is not just fun and games, it’s a key early literacy skill!
Because of their durability, board books are a good choice for young bookworms. Board books are especially good if your little one likes to bite into a good book—gross but also developmentally appropriate. Note: You can save the library’s collection by gifting board books to your favorite babies!
Listen to the “Parts of a Book Rhyme” on Spotify.
Listen to the “Parts of a Book Rhyme” on Apple Music.
Bonus: Build your child’s vocabulary. Say this rhyme before reading or handling a book together, as I do in my literacy programs.
PARTS OF A BOOK RHYME
Here’s a lovely book of mine,
Here’s the cover, here’s the spine.
Here’s some info that is vital—
Author, illustrator, title.
Open it just like a door,
Turn the pages to explore.
When you’re finished, say, “The End!”
And then you close it up again.
Just watch! Even before your tyke can talk, they will pretend to read by babbling along to the pictures. In doing so, they are cultivating memory and creativity. When you read the book to them, you can help them connect print and speech. Move your pointer finger along the words as you go.
That’s the secret all kids know. That books bring tangible benefits too. That the feeling of a good book in the hands is the first step to becoming a lifelong reader. So get their fingers on those pages ASAP and watch the learning unfold.
Funny story. Before my own child understood what reading was, she brought me books and said, “Mommy, talk to the words!” 🙂
Do you have an adorable anecdote about babies and books? Tell us in the comments below!
Give Your Input – What’s the best place for children to enjoy books?
Important Dates
Attend a Sing, Rhyme, and Play Program with Ms. Christina
◊ Ukulele Baby Lap Time at the Mary Riley Styles Public Library
Fridays at 10:30 a.m., Ages 0-2
- May 16 and 23
- June 13, 20, and 27
- July 11, 18, and 25
◊ Children’s Song and Story Time at the Georgetown Waterfront Park
Thursdays at 10:30 a.m., All Ages
- June 26
- July 10, and 24
◊ Dinosaur Pajama Party at the Mary Riley Styles Public Library
Saturday—July 19—at 11 a.m., All Ages
Featured Creator
This week, I’m featuring Jim Gill, a musician, author, and child development specialist I admire. Jim recently announced a new video series called, “YOU are the action!“
These new videos actually get children to *look away* from the screens and *toward* their trusted grownups. The fun comes from *listening* to the song and dancing along together.
Strengthening the child-caregiver bond is a goal of mine too, so I applaud Jim’s new video approach. Let’s get Jim on our playlists getting children to listen, move, and PLAY.
Quote of the Week
YOU are the action!
Jim Gill
Final Thoughts
We’re so glad you came! Until next time …
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