Our kids’ early literacy skills are built on more than just reading! If you’ve got little ones learning to read, keep in mind that simple, everyday practices encourage them in their reading journey.
The five best ways to grow and deepen early literacy skills in young ones is through talking, reading, singing, writing, and…playing!
“Literacy is more than reading a book together,” Assistant Director of Children’s Services Suzy Bomgardner explains. “It’s also things like talking about the different kinds of leaf shapes and playing with the physics of building a tall block tower.”
Because play is so critical for childhood development, we’re excited to offer “play labs” for preschoolers once a month. Our next Preschool Play Lab is on Monday, Feb. 26. Ages 2-5 and their caregivers can drop by the Library’s Jones Meeting Center from 10-11:30 a.m. for open play time.
According to Suzy, play labs model and provide accessible imaginative play, while also encouraging kids’ problem solving, critical thinking, and motor skill development.
Our play labs feature a variety of stations that little ones rotate through at their own pace. Play stations include sensory bins, self-directed art projects, and early STEM-based building activities.
“Play labs are such a fun way to engage a sense of wonder and curiosity in a warm and welcoming space,” Suzy says. “We want kids to get their hands messy and explore the world around them in a kinesthetic way.”
So bring your preschoolers to explore, make new friends, create, and play at our Preschool Play Labs!
Call the Children’s Library at (423) 434-4458 for more information.
Check out our calendar of children’s events to find more upcoming opportunities for learning and fun. Follow Johnson City Public Library on Facebook and Instagram to receive updates about Library programs, collections, and services.
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