Parents and caregivers concerned about getting their children ready for kindergarten can turn to the Tuscarawas County Public Library System for help. Early literacy skills are incorporated into everything they do from storytime, to crafts, to programs, and more.
“It’s easy to underestimate the number of skills kids are expected to know before entering kindergarten,” said Youth Literacy Associate Joy Mueller. From social, to language, to reading, to math the library can help children get a jump start on skills for success.”
Kindergarten Readiness Program: Held on August 1st at 6:30 PM will include lessons and strategies to help prepare your child for kindergarten. The Library wants to help you make this transition easier. Whether your child is beginning school next year, or if you would just like to receive some tips. Registration is required and can be done by visiting www.tusclibrary.org or by calling 330-364-4474.
“Those children who registered for the program will receive a kindergarten readiness companion kit. Kits include a bear bag, glue stick, safety scissors, triangle pencil, and Play-doh®” said Mueller.
Other free opportunities to help children learn early literacy skills are:
Literacy Activity Calendar: This day-by-day calendar features songs, book recommendations, early literacy activities, videos, and more. View the calendar at www.tusclibrary.org/content/literacy-activity-calendar.
Ready for School Backpacks: Each backpack available for check out is themed around a concept that children need to know to start kindergarten. The collection currently includes five backpacks with the following themes: all about me, counting, alphabet, colors, and sensory.
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten: Accept the challenge to read 1,000 books before kindergarten. Count all books read to or by your child toward your total. Multiple readings of the same book count as well! To keep track virtually go to the Library’s Beanstack URL: http://tusclibrary.beanstack.org or download the free Beanstack Tracker App in your mobile device’s app store. Your child will receive incentives for reaching key milestones.
Ohio Governor’s Imagination Library: Any child, birth through five years old, is eligible to receive one free book by mail a month through this amazing program partnership between the Ohio Governor, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, and local partner the United Way of Tuscarawas County. Register at https://ohioimaginationlibrary.org/enroll.
“The past two years have been difficult for preschoolers regarding social, emotional, and academic skills,” said Mueller. “We hope caregivers know we are here for young families to help them learn and grow.”
The Main Library is located at 121 Fair Ave NW, New Philadelphia. To register for this free event or for more information on other library services, please visit www.tusclibrary.org or call your nearest TCPL location: Bolivar 330-874-2720, Main Library 330-364-4474, Strasburg 330-878-5711, Sugarcreek 330-852-2813, or Tuscarawas 740-922-2748.