June 2018 
Reading Buddies eNews
Information and resources for Imagination Library families
Do you know someone who may want to register a child for the Imagination Library in Erie County? It's simple! Forward this newsletter or share  this link .
Reading Tips for Parents of Toddlers
  1. Don't expect your toddler to sit still. – Toddlers need to move around. Don't worry if they act out stories or just skip, romp, or tumble as you read to them. They may be moving, but they are listening.
  2. Recite rhymes, sing songs, make mistakes! – Pause to let your toddler finish a phrase or chant a refrain. Once your toddler is familiar with the rhyme or pattern, make mistakes on purpose and get caught.
  3. Keep reading short, simple, and often. – Toddlers frequently have shorter attention spans than babies. Look for text that is short and simple. Read a little bit, several times a day.
  4. Play to their favorites. – Read favorite stories again and again. Seek out books about things your toddler especially likes — trains, animals, the moon. These books may extend a toddler's attention span and build enthusiasm for reading.
  5. Not having fun? – Try a different story or a different time during the day. Reading with a very young child is primarily about building positive experiences with books, not finishing every book you start. Read more.

Early Connections FREE Supported Playgroup
Other Upcoming Events & Storytimes
Thursday, June 7 at 10:00am
Family Storytime at Lincoln Community Center Library featuring "Little Leaves"
Join local resident Catherine Toews for a fun filled story time with movement, stories, songs and an art craft with fresh flowers! Learn more.

Saturday, June 16 at 11:00am
Father's Day Storytime featuring "With My Daddy: A Book of Love and Family"
Join our friends at Barnes & Noble Erie for a special Father's Day Storytime with a book celebrating all that is great about dads.  Activities to follow.  Learn more.

Thursday, June 21 at 6:30pm
Evening Storytime at the Blasco Memorial Library
Do you work during our morning storytime sessions? No need to miss out! Bring the family and join us for fun stories and activities on Thursday evenings. We will sing, dance, play games, craft, try some science experiments, and more. Storytimes are a great opportunity to help your child get ready to read. Come join the fun!  Learn more.

All of June: Mon. – Sat. 10 am – 5 pm; Sun. Noon – 5pm
Asbury Woods Explore Natural Places and Spaces
Free to the public, The Nature Center is one of the premier award winning environmental education centers in northwestern Pennsylvania. Within the Asbury Woods Nature Center Exhibit Hall, visitors of all ages enjoy native live animal habitats, a turtle pond, an amphitheater/program area, and a live honeybee hive exhibit. The Nature Center’s Discovery Room invites our youngest visitors to explore a “please touch” nature table, wildlife puppets, story books and a serene reading area.  Learn more.
Llama Llama
Baby Llama turns bedtime into an all-out llama-drama. Young children will relate to Baby Llama's need for comfort, as much as parents will appreciate Mama Llama's reassuring message.


Stay Connected!
Great information, resources, reading guides and tips are shared on the Imagination Library for Erie County Facebook page . Be sure to Like and Follow the page to stay up to date and informed!

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Got photos of your child reading?

Does your child love Imagination Library books?

Just enrolled and received their first book? Just had a fifth birthday and received  Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come! and graduation certificate? 

SEND US YOUR PHOTOS via email to  photos@unitedwayerie.org .

Need help? Just dial 2-1-1 . A trained operator will connect you with information about financial assistance, counseling, food/clothing/shelter, health services, substance abuse and much more! It's always free and confidential .
Reading Buddies and the Imagination Library are early childhood literacy programs of United Way of Erie County.