If you like reading historical fiction, pick up Titanic: Voices from the Disaster for your next read.  This book was voted one of the best nonfiction (informational) books of the year, but it reads like a story.  You’ll get to know the passengers and workers like you would characters in a chapter book.  Authentic photographs included in the book help the story come alive.  This is a page turner you won’t be able to put down, even knowing the story’s tragic end. 

Getting ready to read involves many skills.  One of the skills is naming letters.  There are lots of fun ways to help children learn letter names and their shapes.  Many of these activities can be done throughout your day;

 

Point out shapes of toys and other objects and talk about how they are alike and different.  Comparing and contrasting shapes helps children notice the differences between letter shapes.

 

Help your child notice environmental print such as names on food cartons, or words on road signs. 

 

Talk about letters that are most interesting to your child, like the beginning letter of his or her first name.  Help your child find that letter throughout the day. 

 

Use alphabet books.  Point to pictures and talk about letter names with your child. 

 

Write letters in shaving cream on the shower wall, or help your child point to letters on a keyboard. 

 

Most importantly, learning about letters should be fun!  Children learn best through play. 

Amelia Bedelia is 50 years old!  Can you believe these books have been around for half a century?  The books were first published in 1963.  Look at the first cover shown here!  It might look dated, but we know Amelia Bedelia will never grow old.  She is as young at heart and funny as ever.  Read about author Peggy Parish here.     

Bring your kids to Kids’ World to make a craft over winter break!  We will have a craft table the week of December 23 and the week of December 30.