5 Secrets for Early Learners

at Siouxland Libraries

Teaching your child to read doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. The mission of Siouxland Libraries is to connect residents of Sioux Falls and Minnehaha County to resources to make learning engaging and fun from birth to kindergarten—all free with a library card!

1. Check out Specialty Books

There are hundreds of titles in Siouxland Libraries’ community-built collection, commented Mateja Barrett, mom of four who frequents the Downtown Library. Wonderbooks are among her children’s favorites.

2. Audio Books

Mother of four, Felicia Stout, has worked to create an “atmosphere of education” in her home. She does this by letting her children listen to stories they check out on Libby and Hoopla with their library cards.

3. Check out a Reading Kit and Toys

Siouxland Libraries created kits designed to help beginning readers develop and practice core reading skills such as background knowledge, comprehension, decoding, and fluency at home. In addition, Siouxland Libraries partners with Toy Lending Library to provide educational toys for ages birth and up.

“From a kid’s perspective, you have everything,“ Matt Chicoine, Oak View Branch patron, said.

“The toys are great to check out, especially if you can’t afford toys or are looking for new ones.”

4. Storytimes and Programming

Siouxland Libraries offers programs for children ages birth to five. Each storyteller receives extensive training to educate children on phonological awareness, vocabulary, background knowledge, print conventions, and letter knowledge.

5. A Family Librarian

Stout says the most life-changing library service is her family’s relationship with Caille Branch’s Brianna Leesch, library associate.

“We love her. She’s our personal family librarian. We call her the ‘Stout Librarian,’” Stout said. “She knows my kids because we’ve been visiting this library for eight years. She’s seen them all grow up and will make recommendations to Abby on different book series.”

“Siouxland Libraries has everything a family needs to take their child from square one to reading success. With a library card, get your child reading and ready for school with 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten. Sign up your early learner at http://bit.ly/1000BooksSiouxland

Setting them up for lifelong success.

Our childcare programs facilitate each child’s social, emotional, physical, and intellectual development. Whether you choose our traditional preschool curriculum, Spanish Immersion, or KinderCollege, start your child’s early education here. EmBe.org

“Our goal is for each student to leave our school with confidence in their abilities, a sense of joy in their hearts and a feeling of security that they are growing to be their best self and reach their fullest potential.”

- Julie Kolbeck, Principal, Christ the King Elementary