By Mary W.

Here in the Children’s Department at the Parkway Central Library, we are working to develop a natural learning environment for literacy for children of even the youngest age. 

On Mondays at 11:00 a.m., we have a very popular Baby Storytime program for ages newborn through 18 months. The activities that take place in the program include songs with the alphabet, counting, animal sounds, and body movement; nursery rhymes; fingerplays; and lots of wonderful board books with everyday activities, familiar objects, and bright and contrasting colors. Then, shaker eggs and other musical instruments are brought out to help develop hand eye coordination and introduce the concept of cause and effect.

On Tuesdays at 11:00 a.m., we have our Toddler/Preschool Storytime program for the children who have graduated from Baby Storytime and are more mobile and verbal. We share the best of old and new favorite picture books, sing songs, and share fingerplays and movement activities.

Our wonderful window seats in the department have become a new play space with the addition of magnetic alphabet letters, numbers, and animals. We have activity sheets posted giving parents and caregivers suggestions for literacy exercises using these manipulatives. You never know where a lion or a giraffe will show up.

Come visit us at Parkway Central Library for storytimes and for suggestions on books, fingerplays, and literacy activities, and to help us help your children to grow and learn.