EARLY LITERACY TIP

by Alice Mackey Youth Services Librarian

We all know that little kids love to move. But did you know that all physical activity builds brains, too?

In the first years, cells in our brains make more connections than they will at any other point in life. And some of those first pathways are related to movement and coordination. These basic building blocks are the foundation for all other more complex skills.

So getting kids moving is serious fun: scientific research tells us it has a lasting effect that nurtures developing brains. Here are some tips to boost early learning through physical activity.

Act out books as you read them.

Narrate the actions you are doing. “We can stalk like cheetahs!”

Dance, dance, dance! Make abstract ideas of emotion, rhythm, and words concrete by literally feeling them out.

Use big paper when writing or making art.

Play toys and games that encourage movement and music such as instruments, simple homemade obstacle courses, or follow-the-leader.

Throw and roll objects or blow and pop bubbles to improve coordination and eyetracking.

Lifting, bouncing, rolling, and swinging builds the inner ear, which helps children learn to control their movements.

STORYTIMES AT DCDL!

Delaware Main

Baby: Tues @ 10:30 am

Toddler: Wed @ 10:30 am

Preschool: Fri @ 10:30 am

Family: Mon @ 6:00 pm

Liberty Branch

Baby: Wed @ 10:30 am

Toddler: Thurs @10:30 am

Preschool: Tues @ 10:30 am

Family: Sat @ 10:30 am

Orange Branch Baby: Fri @ 10:30 am

Toddler: Tues @ 10:30 am

Preschool: Thurs @ 10:30 am

Family: Wed @ 6:00 pm

Ostrander Branch

Family: Thurs @ 11 am