August 2018 
Reading Buddies eNews

Information and resources for United Way Imagination Library families 
The Imagination Library is funded 100% by local support of United Way of Erie County.
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 .
Tips for developing literacy skills in the first year
The idea of babies reading and talking probably sounds a little foolish, but language and literacy skills actually begin at birth. So how can you support these skills in your baby's first year?

  1. It isn't necessary to "teach." – Formal classes that are intended to bush babies and young toddlers often don't aid in development. Instead, they can often make young children feel worse if they are not able to achieve a task.
  2. Early language and literacy skills are learned best through everyday moments with your child! – Reading books, talking, laughing and playing together. Children learn language when you talk to them and they communicate back to you, and by hearing stories read and songs sung aloud.
  3. Copy your baby’s sounds and encourage him to imitate you.
  4. Play peek-a-boo. – This simple turn-taking game is good practice for how to have a conversation later on. Try hiding behind a book, a pillow or a scarf. You can also play peek-a-boo by holding your baby in front of a mirror and then moving away from your reflection.
  5. Use books as part of your baby’s daily routines. – Read before naptime or bedtime. Share books made of plastic at bath time. Read a story while you are waiting for the bus. Bring books to the doctor’s office to make the time go faster.
  6. Let your baby “read” her own way. – Your baby may only sit still for a few pages, turn the pages quickly or only want to look at one picture and then be done. She may even like to just mouth the book, instead of read it! Follow your baby’s lead to make reading time a positive experience. This will nurture her love of literacy from the start. Read more.

Why Read Aloud?
Emma Goes to the Mailbox
Other Upcoming Events & Storytimes
Friday, August 3 at 8:30pm
The Lion King at Frontier Park
Free outdoor movies start at dusk on the 8th Street side of Frontier Park across from Romolo Chocolates. Bring your own blanket or chairs. The movie will be canceled in the event of inclement weather. Learn more.

Monday, August 6 at 10:00am
Baby Stay & Play at Blasco Memorial Library
Babies and their caregivers are invited to come and play at the Blasco Memorial Library! Toys, soft crawlers, and board books will be provided. Make new friends while your child builds gross motor skills and socializes with other babies . Learn more.

Tuesday, August 7 at 10:00am
Insect Safari at Asbury Woods
 Gather at the Nature Center exhibit hall to explore the forests, fields, and gardens around Asbury Woods. With a naturalist as your guide, we will be looking for the many different friends that call Asbury Woods home. Field guides, nets and magnifying glasses will be provided. Insect safaris will be held rain or shine. All ages are welcome . Learn more.

Wednesday, August 8 at 10:00am
Preschool Storytime at Blasco Memorial Library
Bring the family and join us for fun stories and activities. We will sing, dance, play games, craft, try some science experiments, and more! Learn more.

Monday, August 13 at 10:00am
Family Storytime at Edinboro Branch Library
Explore stories at the library! Children will enjoy stories, songs, fun activities, and crafts that will spark their curiosity and inspire a love for literacy and learning!  Learn more.

Friday, August 24 at 9:00am-1:00pm
Rolling Ridge Park
Looking for some summer fun? Daily crafts (weather permitting) at Rolling Ridge Park. Stop by and say hi to the awesome Craft Team!  Learn more.
Llama Llama
In this infectious rhyming read-aloud, Baby Llama turns bedtime into an all-out llama drama! Tucked into bed by his mama, Baby Llama immediately starts worrying when she goes downstairs, and his soft whimpers turn to hollers when she doesn't come right back. But just in time, Mama returns to set things right.

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!


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.