Research has shown that children need to know six literacy skills before they can learn to read. Children who enter kindergarten with these skills learn to read more easily and are more successful throughout school. Every Child Ready to Read programs based on this research were developed by the Public Library Association and the Association for Library Services to Children (divisions of the American Library Association).
The “Massillon Ready to Read” workshop teaches parents and caregivers how to help children learn skills that lead to reading and school success, introduces the six skills and explains why they are so important, gives examples of how to help children learn the skills, provides titles of high-interest books that are age appropriate, and provides parents and childcare providers with fun early literacy activities they can incorporate into their daily routines.
According to the Public Library Association and the Association for Library Services to Children, parents and other caregivers are in the best position to help young children learn these skills by promoting five simple, everyday practices. This is for a multitude of reasons: young children have short attention spans, but parents and caregivers can engage children in language and literacy activities for short bits of time throughout the day; parents know their children best and can help them learn in ways and at times that are easiest for them; and adults are tremendous role models — children are more likely to want to read if they see that their parents and caregivers value and enjoy reading.
These workshops are presented by the Massillon Public Library and sponsored in part by One Tiger, Inc., a local non-profit organization. Contact Laura Klein at 330-832-9831, ext. 319 for more information or to schedule a free presentation at your church or organization via Zoom Meeting or live in the future.