May 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 .
Five Tips For Helping Kids Read Better
  1. Do It Daily – Read aloud every day. Books are best, but reading ads on the subway or signs in the grocery store reinforces reading skills too.
  2. Make It Two-Way – Interactivity counts. Kids may enjoy holding the book or turning the pages. Ask them to point to words on the page or help you read the words. Explain unfamiliar words.
  3. Have Some Fun – If you’re reading a book with different characters, create a voice for each one. It draws the child in, and it’s fun to be silly!
  4. Talk About It – Ask the child if they liked the story, and why. Encourage children to ask questions about the characters, pictures, and words.
  5. Extend the Learning – Connect reading to real life. After reading a book about hungry caterpillars, make a game of finding caterpillars at the park, look up caterpillars online or check out a book on butterflies from the library!
Reading Buddies with the Erie Playhouse
Saturday, May 12, 2018
Girard Alliance Church

Registration: 10:30am
Training begins at 11am

Learn helpful, everyday tips for reading with your child! Event includes training for parents and other caring adults. Also, activities for kids provided by the  Erie Playhouse  Youtheatre cast of Junie B. Jones.
Kindergarten Registration Information is Now Available!
Other Upcoming Events & Storytimes
Thursday, May 3 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, watch puppet shows, and more. Storytimes are a great opportunity to help your child get ready to read. Come join the fun!  Learn more.

Monday, May 7 at 10:00am
Children's Sing-along at the Edinboro Branch Library
Join local guest singer, Lori Burke, for a fun movement & singing program. Lori teaches classic folk songs, rhymes & dances for the children! Learn more.

Saturday, May 12 at 4:30pm
Mother's Day Storytime featuring I've Loved You Since Forever and Everything Is Mama
Join our friends at Barnes & Noble Erie for a special Mother's Day Storytime featuring books by bestselling authors Hoda Kotb and Jimmy Fallon. Activities to follow.   Learn more.

Wednesday, May 23 at 10:00am
Science Storytime at Penn State Behrend's Yahn Planetarium
Science Story Time is free and open to all preschool-aged children. Just be sure to RSVP in advance for both you and your child for every session. Each session includes a story reading and hands-on lesson by Tracy Halmi, assistant teaching professor in chemistry, and a space show in the college's Yahn Planetarium presented by planetarium director Jim Gavio. Learn more & RSVP.
Bumblebee Boy
When Sam is Bumblebee Boy, he likes to fly alone, using his imagination to battle dragons, pirates, and tigers. Sam’s little brother, Owen, would like to play with him, but Owen doesn’t have a cape or a mask, and Bumblebee Boy doesn’t need his help. But when more aliens than Bumblebee Boy can handle land on the moon, will he be able to defeat them by himself?


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.