First Steps to the Library highlights the skills young children need to be ready for school and helps caregivers understand how they can grow these skills.
Where is Thumbkin? Here I Am!
School Readiness Skill: Children form relationships and interact positively with other children.
Communication is key to any relationship. You can help your little one know how to communicate by practicing conversation.
A conversational turn is a caregiver and child talking back and forth. They are one of the best ways to build your child's language, literacy and social skills. "Conversations" will look different at different stages:
- Babies: Exchanging coos, giggles and other noises.
- Toddlers: “I want it" or simply points. "Oh, you want your yellow ball." Caregivers respond by adding words to what their little one says or does.
- Preschoolers: Caregivers ask questions--who, what, where, when and how.
Books and songs can also encourage conversation:
Where is Thumbkin?
Where is Thumbkin? Where is Thumbkin? Here I am! Here I am! How are you today, friend? Very well, I thank you. Run away, run away.
Continue with: Where is Pointer? Where is Tall Finger? Where is Ring Finger? Where is Pinky?
Find more information about helping your little one grow their social skills from our friends at Richland First Steps.
First Steps to the Library is a partnership between Richland Library and Richland First Steps.
Hello, Little Fish!
How Are You? = ¿Cómo Estás?
Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn
Hello, Beautiful You!
Tag Team
Talking is Not My Thing
Hello, Friend Hola, Amigo
Bla-bla-blá
!Esperar No Es Fácil!
Waiting is Not Easy!
