September 2018 
Reading Buddies eNews
I nformation and resources for Imagination Library families
Education is the key to ending poverty. And we know that when parents are reading to their
children, they are far more likely to succeed in school. And therefore, in life. That’s exactly why United Way is on a mission to get age-appropriate books into their little hands through the Imagination Library. The Imagination Library for Erie County is funded 100% by United Way of Erie County through local community support. Learn more at UnitedWayErie.org/Imagination
Do you know someone who may want to register a child for United Way's Imagination Library in Erie County? It's simple! Forward this newsletter or share  this link .
Tips for kindergarten readiness
Making learning fun is a great way for growing children to enjoy cracking the code of reading! Try new tips and see what works best to make your child happy and confident.

  1. Talk to your child. – Ask him about his day and encourage him to tell you about what he enjoyed most.
  2. Say silly tongue twisters. – Sing songs, read rhyming books and say silly tongue twisters. Encourage your child to give them a try as well. This helps them to become sensitive to the sounds in words.
  3. Relate it to real life experiences. – Connect what your child reads with his own experiences. When reading about animals, talk about your last trip to the zoo.
  4. Use your child's name to teach. – Point out the link between letters and sounds. Say "John, the word jump begins with the same sound as your name. John, jump. They both begin with the letter J."
  5. Trace and say letters. – Have your child trace a letter with their finger while saying that letter's sound. This can be done on paper, in sand, or on a plate of sugar.
  6. Play sound games. – Practice blending sounds into words. Ask, "Can you guess what this word is? m - o - p." Hold each sound longer than normal. Read more.

Find Child Care Near You
Research shows that children's learning opportunities in the years before kindergarten have an important effect on their performance in school and ultimately their ability to contribute to society as adults.

Through the Office of Child Development and Early Learning, Pennsylvania is helping children, families, teachers and communities reach their promise.

You have options when it comes to the care for your child.

Whether you need child care or another early learning programs, you can find help and resources at the PA Department of Human Services website FindChildCare.pa.gov .
Other Upcoming Events & Storytimes
Wednesday, September 5 at 11:00am
Widget Wednesday at the Millcreek Mall
Bring the kids to the Widget Kidz Zone for FREE fun activities, storybook readings, music, tasty treats and much more. Learn more.

Thursday, September 13 at 10:00am
Preschool Storytime at the Blasco Memorial Library
Explore stories at the library! Join us for an interactive story time featuring books, music, movement, art projects and more. Have fun while helping your child get ready to read . Learn more.

Weekdays in September at 9:00am
Crafts at 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.
Otis and the Kittens
On the farm where Otis the tractor lives, it hasn't rained in a long time. One hot afternoon, Otis spots something moving down in the valley: an orange tabby cat headed straight for the old barn.

But then Otis sees something else that causes his engine to sputter: a swirl of smoke coming from the same barn. A fire! Otis rushes inside to discover the source of the cat's worries: her little kittens are perched up on the hayloft, scared. Otis never hesitates, and when the floor collapses, trapping the tractor, Otis counts on his friends the fire engines.


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 .