Early Literacy
Early literacy is children getting ready to learn how to read and write. When children have learned early literacy skills before they enter kindergarten, they are at a distinct advantage when receiving formal reading instruction. Since parents and caregivers are a child's first teacher and primary role model, you can begin developing these skills at birth!
Woodland Public Library has a variety of resources to help with early literacy.
Storytimes
We have storytimes available for kids of all ages during the week. We use the Very Ready Reader program to put on story times that include interactive songs and rhymes, movement, and of course, reading stories. These carefully constructed story times help model effective early literacy techniques.
1000 Books Before Kindergarten
We invite you to participate in 1000 Books Before Kindergarten. This free program encourages you to read 1,000 books to your child before she or he begins kindergarten. You can log your books on Beanstack or come to the children's desk in the library for your paper log.
Toy Areas
Our different toy areas contain developmentally appropriate learning materials geared to various ages from children ages one and up. Parents are encouraged to utilize the play area and accompanying toys for interaction and play with their children. These play experiences will aid children in strengthening their imaginations, social awareness, and fine/gross motor skills, all of which are critical abilities for when they enter school for the first time.
Backpack Kits
The story time backpack collection helps parents / caregivers interact with their children by offering books, props, manipulation, and other learning activities. These kits promote learning through discovery and play and also encourage adult interaction.
Literacy Computer Stations
At the library, we have five Early Literacy Station computers designed specifically for kids ages 2 to 8 featuring over 4,000 localized learning activities. The fun, interactive, and engaging content spans all seven curricular areas: math, science and nature, social studies and geography, reading, art and music, writing and computer skills, and reference.
We also have three Student Learning Center Elementary computers, compiled of enriching multi-curricular software for students K-Grade 3. The large assortment of content provides infinite opportunities for educational enrichment to meet the needs of diverse learners.
Summer Reading Program
Every summer Woodland Public Library puts on a Summer Reading Program for all kids, teens, and adults. In the Early Learners program, parents complete early literacy activities to earn a toy and a book for their child. For older children, they can read (or be read to) and participate in learning activities to earn prizes from a prize store and participate in an end-of-summer raffle. These incentives help boost reading and literacy activities during the summer, helping to keep minds learning year-round. We also feature free lunch for kids on weekdays as well as fun activities and performers for children during the summer program. All of the summer activities are free!
TumbleBooks
The TumbleBook Library is an online collection of animated, talking picture books which teach young children the joys of reading in a format they'll love. They now have an app you can download to connect to the service directly from a tablet.