Early (or Emergent) Literacy is what a child knows about reading and writing before they actually start reading and writing. Research shows that children get ready to read in a variety of ways before they start school (even right from birth!). Our Early Literacy section is dedicated to giving parents and caregivers the information and ideas they need to help children get ready for school, as well as encourage literacy habits that build a confident and lifelong reader.
This year-round, early literacy program at TADL promotes reading to preschool aged children. Learn more about the program, print out book logs, see recommended books, and more.
Bring a themed storytime home for your family. Storytime Kits contain 5-6 books, a selection of songs and rhymes, a play item, and other early literacy activity suggestions. For more information, ask at the Youth Services desk. Click here to look inside a storytime kit!
(Children Acquiring Rich Experiences and Skills) Kits that help families reach age level targets for a variety of areas, including: Social and Emotional Learning, Physical Skills, Language and Early Reading, and Math and Reasoning. Kits are divided by age group so you can find the right one for your child. Check out up to 2 at a time.
Can’t find a good book for your young one? Our book lists are a great guide!
Storytimes
TALK Text Tipline
Sign up by texting TALK to 75547
Receive 8-10 messages per month with fun activities you can do at home to help prepare little ones, ages 5 and under, for school success.
TALK: Text and Learn for Kindergarten sends fun activities parents can do with their babies and preschoolers that encourages parents to read, write, sing, talk, and play with their little ones everyday, You’ll get updates for local library storytimes and other free, educational children’s events; and a few tips just for you.
Dolly Parton Imagination Library
The Dolly Parton Imagination Library promotes emergent literacy and a love of reading by getting books into the hands of young children at no cost to the parent.
Thanks to local volunteers and donors, children in this region can qualify to receive one free book a month in the mail from birth to age 5. Click the button below to check availability in your region and to register your child.
Build Your Own Storytime
We recognize that it is not your babies and toddlers best interest to put them in front of a screen for storytime every day. That’s why we’ve created the Build Your Own Storytime page, so that you can view storytime activities like counting songs, action songs and rhymes, and other great at-home activities, and incorporate them into your time with your children.
Do these everyday and you’re giving your child a great start toward becoming a curious learner and active reader.
Here is an outline for how we organize our baby and toddler storytimes, if you would like that (but you do your family, since you know them best!):
- Opening Song
- Rhyme
- Action Song
- Book (themes like colors, numbers, animals sounds, which encourage adult interaction with your child(ren)
- Middle Stretch (Wiggle Your Fingers)
- Finger play
- Book (themes like colors, numbers, animals sounds, which encourage adult interaction with your child(ren)
- Closing Song
We’ve also paired these with booklists for your budding readers so that you can add a great literary adventure to make an all-around fun and engaging early literacy experience. And the best part- you do it when it makes most sense and is most comfortable for your family!
Visit our YouTube channel for a playlist of DIY Storytime videos!