Connecting Early Literacy & the Arts

We talked with lots of parents and children at the CityArts Celebration in Dallas’ Art District on June 13 and 14. Parents learned about the 6 pre-reading skills while their children made a craft - simple books, fans made from tracing their hands, and bookmarks.
Everyone enjoyed the storytimes provided by our children’s librarians.

Fun with Arthur at Barnes & Noble

Everyone had a great time at Barnes & Noble! Arthur visited, we sang, children heard great bedtime stories, and parents learned new reading techniques.

Free, Fun, Interactive Workshops

This past school year we provided many early literacy workshops for DISD schools. Here children participated in songs. The parents and children also created simple books to work on narrative skills. We look forward to offering workshops for many more schools this fall.

Workshop participants receive a packet of early literacy information, recommended reading lists, a craft activity, and a free children’s book. Want to host a workshop at your school, day care center, church? Please call 214-671-8291 for more information.

Sharing Easy Everyday Activities

Mi Escuelita parents learn about the six pre-reading skills and share activities they do with their children. I Spy books are great for building vocabulary.

Favorite Holiday Stories Suggested by some of our Children’s Librarians

Claude the Dog by Dick Gackenbach
Claude, the dog, gives away all his Christmas presents to his down-and-out friend but receives an even better present from his young owner.

Book Titles and Authors

I like Gingerbread Baby by Jan Brett
Snowmen at Night by Caralyn Buehner
One Snowy Night by M. Christina Butler
Dream Snow by Eric Carle
The Three Bears’ Christmas by Kathy Duval
Claude the Dog by Dick Gackenbach
Spot’s First Christmas by Eric Hill
I know an old lady who swallowed a pie by Alison Jackson
Counting Christmas by Karen Katz
‘Twas the night b’fore Christmas: an African-American version by Melodye Rosales
All You Need for a Snowman by Alice Schertle
Cajun Night Before Christmas by Trosclair
Max’s Christmas by Rosemary Wells
Bear Stays Up for Christmas by Karma Wilson
Merry Christmas, Big Hungry Bear by Audrey Wood

Six Pre-Reading Skills and Your Busy Holiday Schedule

This fall the Dallas Public Library has been busy spreading the word about Every Child Ready to Read @ Dallas!

Second Saturdays @ the Rec Center began October 11th. Every Child Ready to Read workshops are now held at seven recreation centers at 10a.m. the second Saturday of every month. Workshops are also being held at DISD schools and day care centers. Family Literacy Nights this Fall were especially exciting for parents, children, and library staff involved.

Anyone who has attended a workshop knows that the six pre-reading skills are easy to involve in your daily routines and now they will also fit in your busy holiday activities. For example:

• Bake cut out cookies and talk with your child about the shapes, like stars, bells, and trees.
  
• Sing simple holiday songs like Jingle Bells or Frosty the Snowman.
  
• Ask children to draw pictures of what they like to do this time of year, then listen to them tell a story about their drawing.
  

This investment of time spent with children will yield great benefits for their future.

Happy Holidays!

CLIFF TEMPLE BAPTIST CHURCH HOSTING WORKSHOPS

Interactive fun arts & reading workshops for parents & caregivers are being hosted at

CLIFF TEMPLE BAPTIST CHURCH
125 Sunset Avenue, Oak Cliff, Dallas
(214) 942-8601

Workshops in English 6-7pm followed by Workshops in Spanish from 7-8pm

September 17th
Early Talkers (birth to age 2) 6-7pm in English
Niños de 0 a 2 años, 7-8pm en español

September 24th
Talkers (2-3 years old)
Niños de 2 y 3 años, 7-8 pm en español

October 1st
Pre-Readers (4-5 years old) 6-7pm in English
Niños de 4 y 5 años, 7-8pm en español

If you are interested please come to pre-register on Wednesday, August 20 and Wednesday, September 10 from 6-7:30 pm. You can also register for a library card!

Every participant receives a free book, art project & information packet!
Cada participante recibirá un paquete de preparación, un libro y un proyecto de arte.