An $1,800 grant from Target was awarded to the Oxford Public Library last week in recognition of its efforts to inspire early childhood literacy.
‘I was so surprised,? said grant applicant Shae Smith, the library’s head of youth services. ‘I couldn’t believe it. I opened the envelope and there was an $1,800 check in it and a congratulatory letter.?
The money will be put toward development of a new parent and child lap-sit program dubbed ‘Bitty Bops,? which will start in January.
‘They (Target) want to emphasize programs that focus on parents and children reading together,? Smith said. ‘We’re going to emphasize nursery rhymes, finger plays, music and reading together.?
Once a week for six weeks, one or two groups (depending on demand) of 12 parents and children, ranging in age from 12 to 23- months-old, will meet in the library’s story room to read the same board book together.
‘It seems like there’s always a big demand for baby programs,? Shea said.
Published with a cover and pages made from hard cardboard so it’s more durable, a board book is intended for small children to use and play with.
‘At the end of the six-week session they get to keep their board book,? said Smith, who plans to purchase about $800 worth of books, which will consist of the giveaways and a ‘core collection? to keep in the story room.
Reading and rereading the same story is important for a variety of reasons, according to Smith.
‘The repetition of hearing the same story over and over each week, it helps the children to develop a love of books and reading,? she explained.
Using the same books every week helps build what Smith called ‘print awareness.?
‘Even though they don’t know what the letters and the words are, just to see them is important,? she said. ‘Children like to do what they see other people do, so if they see their parents reading to them all time they’re going to develop the love of reading. That’s going to help them be so much more successful in the future when they get to school.?
As critical as repetition is, there will be some variety to what’s read as well. ‘I’ll read a couple other books, too,? Smith said.
Rhyming is also very important in developing pre-reading skills.
‘We’re going to put a lot of emphasis on nursery rhymes,? Smith said.
The first 20 minutes of each Bitty Bop session will be structured with Smith leading the group. ‘After that, parents can stay in the story room with the core collection of board books, and sit and read one-on-one with their children,? she said.
Smith plans to incorporate music into the program as well. ‘We’re going to buy some musical instruments,? she said. ‘Shakers for the kids and some little drums.?
A collection of 12 music CDs to go with the instruments will be purchased.
‘Eventually, we want to get some educational toys so that when parents stay to read to their children they could also use those,? Smith noted.
To learn more about programs offered by the Oxford Public Library Youth Department visit oxford.lib.mi.us/kids/default.asp.