As part of the continuing “Wise Parents, Wise Kids” Summer
Series, I enjoyed learning about the many new ways families can plug into
today's public libraries. My guest Rachael Barrera, Children’s Librarian at the Brook
Hollow Public Library in San Antonio, Texas and a fellow parent.
I've got to tell you, the video conversation is really fun and inspirational! You can see that by going here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHLaHYT-H9Q
If you'd rather read, here are some highlights:
Fine-Tuned Families: What are some things a family can do at the library
these days?
Response: The library
offers a number of programs for children of all ages and their families. Play and Learn programs are for children 5 and
under to interact with their caregiver. We have five early literacy practices:
Reading, Talking, Singing, Writing, and Playing. Little Read Wagon, our Early Literacy Team,
offers these programs around the city all year long. Story Times for Preschoolers, Baby Time, and
Toddler Time suit every age of early childhood and support development. Tween Time in libraries support the child who
is 9-12 years, a group that often gets overlooked in libraries. Kids Time also supports the learning and
literacy of school age children. Discovery Time encourages learning early math
and science skills. Summer Reading Programs encourage the love of independent
reading at home.
FTF: How can these
great offerings help parents foster a love of reading in their kids?
Response: Libraries
of today create a joyful connection between the child, reading and
learning. Examples are neat art
projects, group reading programs, individual reading challenges, and family
activities. Whatever brings joy to that
particular child helps him or her love reading and learning.
FTF: What are some of
your best tips for parents of different-aged readers?
Response: WORD! The more words your child hears before
kindergarten the greater his future academic success. Let your child pick the
books he or she wants to read. Don’t get hung up on “reading level” (unless
working toward closing an educational gap.)
When a child likes the stuff she reads, the more she will read, the more
she comprehends what she reads, the easier it becomes to read, and so on. Don’t
give up picture books too soon, they actually help a child’s comprehension like
chapter books can’t. That firm foundation will help in years to come. For older
tweens and teens, access to a free, vast supply of books is a gift and inspires
more “book time” and less “screen time”.
Resources:
www.Mysapl.org – The main website for the San Antonio Public
Library system.
www.Mysapl.org/location.aspx?id=bro - The Brook Hollow
Library’s location and phone numbers.
http://www.guysread.com/
- A great example of one of many online sources to encourage a love of
reading in our kids.
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