Jeffco Library: Free Book for 4 Year Olds

From Jefferson County Library:

Thanks to One Book 4 Colorado, we are excited to be giving all Jefferson County 4-year-olds a free book. From April 17-May 1, English and Spanish copies of a popular children’s book will be available for pickup at all JCPL libraries.

We’re proud to participate in this very important initiative. Getting kids ready to read and write starts before kindergarten and having books in the home makes that easier.

One Book 4 Colorado offers the following tips to parents and caregivers to help their pre-schoolers gain important pre-reading skills:

• Reading: Reading books together helps your preschooler learn new words and understand how books work. Check out lots of picture books from your library about things that your child likes, and read favorite books over and over.

• Writing: Have crayons, pencils and paper in your house for your child to use any time. Ask her to help you write and draw notes. When children scribble and draw, they’re building the muscles in their hands they’ll need when they learn to write in kindergarten.

• Singing: Sing, clap and dance to your child’s favorite songs. When you sing, the words are broken into smaller parts and are easier for kids to hear and remember. Check out CDs at your library to find fun new children’s music!

• Talking: Ask your child to tell you the best, the hardest and funniest part of her day. Share your day with your child as well. When you talk with your child often, she learns new words and learns about the world around her.

• Playing: Play pretend games with puppets or any objects. Empty boxes can become cars or animals. A ruler can turn into a magic wand. Play helps kids learn to tell and retell and stories.

For more information:

• Go to the library often! It’s a great place for books, music, DVDs, and fun programs for your whole family. Find your closest library.
• Check out our Story Time schedule.
• Watch short videos to learn fun songs and rhymes for your children.
• Get other great tips on getting your preschooler ready to read.

PS: You’re invited to a facilitated viewing and discussion of The Raising of America – Early childhood and the future of our nation.This documentary explores how a strong start for young children leads to a healthier, more equitable and sustainable America. Join community members for a screening  of the film followed by an open discussion. Light refreshments will be served and there is no cost for attendance. Everyone is welcome.

Joel Newton

Joel has been a resident of Edgewater, Colorado with his family since 2012. He is the Executive Director of local education nonprofit Edgewater Collective and Editor of the Edgewater Echo.