Federal Consumer Information Center Helping Your Child Become a

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Other Ways To Help

All of the activities we've discussed so far offer a rich experience for your child as she builds her language skills. But you can do even more to support her learning. Visiting the Library Libraries offer more than books. They are places of learning and discovery for everyone. Ask about getting a library card in your child's name and get one for yourself if you don't have one. The Librarian Introduce yourself and your child to your librarian. Librarians can help you find out how to select the best books that are fun and good for your child's age level. They can also show you what other programs and services the library has to offer. If you would like reading help for yourself or your family, check with the librarian about literacy programs in your community. (Also see Resources.) Books, and More In addition to a wealth of books, you might find tapes of books, musical CDs and tapes, movies, computers you can use, and more. You might find books in languages other than English, or programs to help adults improve their reading. Supervised Story Times Babies and toddlers. Many libraries have group story hours that are short and set up by age. Your child sits in your lap, and both of you can join in the story. The librarian may show you finger-plays and rhythm activities. The librarian may also give you tips and handouts that you can use for home story hours. Preschoolers. The library may offer these story hours more than once a week. You and your child usually read several books on the same topic. You might play games, sing songs, use puppets, or do other activities that are connected to that topic. You may also get ideas for books to read and other things to do at home. Families. Families can read together, or they may join in a story told by the library storyteller. Some libraries also set up family activities around the readings for the week, including watching movies and making projects. Summer Reading After the school year is over, some children may forget what they have learned about reading. Libraries help keep children interested in reading by offering summer programs. Children from early elementary school to high school read books on their own. Their school or library gives them a diary or log where they write down what they read during the summer. At the same time, many libraries offer "Read-to-Me" clubs to encourage reading aloud to preschool and younger children, since this is so important in fostering a love of reading. Also check at your local library for AMERICA READS CHALLENGE: READ*WRITE*NOW! summer reading materials. The materials offer ideas for parents, caregivers, and others who volunteer as learning partners in helping youngsters keep and improve their reading skills during the summer. (For more about AMERICA READS, see http://www.ed.gov/americareads/index.html)

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