November 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. Learn more at UnitedWayErie.org/Imagination

The Imagination Library for Erie County is funded 100% by United Way of Erie County through local community support.
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 .
Sharing Wordless Picture Books
Wordless picture books are told entirely through their illustrations. They are books without words, or sometimes just a few words. Sharing wordless books with a child provides an opportunity for literacy-rich conversations . Each "reader" listens and speaks, and creates their own story in their own words. Sharing wordless books also reinforces the idea that, in many books, the story and the pictures are connected.

Elementary-aged students often enjoy writing down their original story to accompany a wordless book. Sharing wordless books is a terrific way to build important literacy skills, including listening skills, vocabulary, comprehension, and an increased awareness of how stories are "built," as the storyteller often uses a beginning, middle, end format. For a book with few words, you'll be surprised at all the talking you will do, and all the fun you'll have.
Phonics for Beginning Readers
The primary focus of phonics instruction is to help beginning readers understand how letters are linked to sounds (phonemes) to form letter-sound correspondences and spelling patterns and to help them learn how to apply this knowledge in their reading.

Phonics instruction may be provided systematically or incidentally. The hallmark of a systematic phonics approach or program is that a sequential set of phonics elements is delineated and these elements are taught along a dimension of explicitness depending on the type of phonics method employed. Conversely, with incidental phonics instruction, the teacher does not follow a planned sequence of phonics elements to guide instruction but highlights particular elements opportunistically when they appear in text.

Upcoming Events & Storytimes
Tuesday, November 6 at 9:30 am and 10:30 am
Toddler Time at the Blasco Memorial Library
This program is designed just for toddlers! It features interactive books, songs, rhymes, crafts, and games. Have fun while helping your child develop early literacy skills.

Wednesday , November 7 at 10:00 am
Millcreek Library Family Story Time at the Millcreek 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!

Thursday, November 15 at 3:30 pm
Read to a Therapy Dog at Millcreek Branch Library
Children are invited to read to Jada, a therapy dog. Jada is a gentle and non-intimidating listener! Reading aloud to a dog has proven a useful means of encouraging reluctant readers.

Wednesday, November 21 at 10:00 am
Preschool Story Time at 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.
Lily's Cat Mask
Armed with a vivid imagination and her trusty cat mask, Lily can take on anything--even a new school. When her teacher tells her no masks allowed in class, Lily worries,  can she make friends without it? Anyone who has been daunted by a new experience, or struggled to put on a good face, will relate to Lily. Whimsical art brings Lily, her father, and her new classmates to life, with text that begs to be read aloud. Perfect for Father's Day, back to school, and even Halloween--Lily and her grinning cat mask are sure to make you smile back.

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 .
The Imagination Library for Erie County is funded 100% by United Way of Erie County through local community support.