Early Literacy Tip of The Month

The River Forest Public Library is committed to early literacy and helping the children in the community develop a lifelong love of books and reading. Each month, we plan to bring you a new tip to help you build your kiddo’s early literacy skills. Check out the Early Literacy Tip of the Month for June:

The “Alphabet Song” is a favorite for many families. This is a popular way for kids to learn the names of letters. However those pesky letters L, M, N, O, and P are often morphed into one fantastical letter–the elemenohpea. A great way to help your child (and you) distinguish between each of these letters is to sing the “Alphabet Song” to a new tune. Try to sing the ABCs to “Mary Had A Little Lamb”, “Frère Jacques” or another favorite. It’s a little tough at first, but it’s a fun way to distinguish between L, M, N, O and P.

Summer Reading at RFPL

Summer Reading at RFPL is right around the corner! Check out the new “Summer Reading” page of our blog to find out more about the program–and to register online!

Growing Up

Children may move through developmental milestones in rapid bursts or in more slow-but- sure progress. As you navigate new things like sleeping in a big bed, eating with utensils, or the really big step of potty training check out some wonderful pictures books.  Reading books about big moments helps to ease any anxiety there may be about changes and even more importantly, reading opens the channels of communication between you and your child.  Children love to  ask “why?” and books give you some context, pictures to share, and words to go over together.  When you visit the Children’s Room please ask our staff for more suggestions for great “Growing Up” titles.

Fun Spring Programs!

Have some free time before you get busy with Summer Reading? Come to one these great programs before getting into the full swing of things! Registration is required for both of these great programs, call 708.366.5205 or email childrens@riverforestlibrary.org to sign up.

Monday June 3rd,1:30-2:30 PM, Dino Dig Story Time

Join RFPL for dinosaur stories and fun! We’ll share our favorite dino books, songs and activities. For kids ages 4 to 6 with      parent/caregiver.

Thursday, June 13th, 3:30-4:30 PM, Stamp and Taste with Whole Foods Market River Forest

Join us at RFPL as our friends from Whole Foods Market River Forest take us on a fruit and veggie tasting journey. After we taste these goodies, we’ll use fruits and vegetables to make stamps and art! For kids ages 4-7 with parent/caregiver.

Tracking Down the Perfect Book(s)!

On the hunt for just the right book as you gear up for Summer Reading? Already know that you love Journal-style books like Diary of a Wimpy Kid? Something you might not know is that RFPL has a number of book lists and readalikes to keep you reading after our librarians have helped get you started.

Our booklists include subjects as diverse as Books for Third Graders, Books in Journal Format (like Diary of a Wimpy Kid), Great Books to Read Together as a Family, and Action & Adventure Books for Grades 4-6. If you’re out of ideas for which book to read next, ask a librarian about a booklist to suit your fancy!

Music in May!

We are excited to welcome Clara D’Onofrio back for another Mini Musicians class in May! On May 6th at 10 AM, Ms. Clara will be here to lead you and your child in singing, dancing, and playing rhythm instruments. You’ll also have a change to explore musical concepts with a parachute, bouncing balls and more!

Music and singing aren’t just fun, they can also play a role in helping prepare your child for reading. Singing elongates the different sounds within words and there’s often a different note for each syllable in a word. Singing with your child is a great early step you can take to help them hear the sounds within words (creating phonological awareness)–this helps prepare them to learn to read once they reach kindergarten.

Sing with us at Miss Clara’s Mini Musicians class on Monday, May 6th at 10 AM. For kids ages 2-5 with a parent/caregiver, registration is required. Call 708-366-5205 ext. 312 to register or email childrens@riverforestlibrary.org.

Wanted: Summer Reading Volunteers

Gain valuable experience and have fun while encouraging younger readers! Be a RFPL Summer Reading Volunteer!

If you are a teen entering grades 7-12 and have a valid RFPL library card, then you are eligible to become a Summer Reading Volunteer. The application deadline is May 22, 2013, and space may be limited, so apply now!

Go to the “Volunteer” tab on RFPL Teens Blog or click here to fill out an online application. Ms. Ashley or Ms. Julia will then contact you to schedule a brief interview. Volunteers will be expected to volunteer 12-30 hours depending on availability and RFPL’s needs. Volunteers also will be expected to participate in RFPL’s Teen Summer Reading Program (which is going to be awesome!).