October 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
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 .
Reading Buddies Set for October 13
Join United Way of Erie County and the Erie Playhouse for Reading Buddies on Saturday, October 13 from 10:30am - 12:00pm at United Way offices, 420 West Sixth Street.

  • Learn helpful, everyday tips for reading with your child!
  • Training for parents and other caring adults.
  • Activities for kids provided by the Erie Playhouse Youtheatre cast of Miss Nelson is Missing


Join us and receive:
  • FREE tickets to the Erie Playhouse Youtheatre Production of Miss Nelson is Missing
  • FREE snacks and beverages
  • Each participant will receive a FREE book

SPACE IS LIMITED . Reservations are required. Reserve your spot
Building Literacy Skills Every Day
You and your child do lots of things together every day. Sometimes routines like riding in the car, going to the doctor’s office and grocery shopping can seem unexciting. Here are some simple reading activities and games that can make these everyday chores more fun for both of you. At the same time, you will support your child’s language and literacy skills and build the foundation for reading and writing.

Mealtime activities
  • Mealtime is a time for families to come together. Some parents however, may feel too busy to sit down at the table. If you can’t sit for the whole meal, try to sit and talk with your child for a short time. Remember to use the times preparing the meal, and cleaning up, for conversations too.
Car activities
  • Most of us ride in a car, or on a bus or train, as part of our daily routine. This can be a nice “together-time” for you and your child. Children love to look out the window. They also like to feel the motion of the car, bus, or train. Turn riding time into talking, singing and playing time!

Grocery store activities
  • Shopping for groceries is a routine activity that is sometimes boring for children. You can make it interesting by asking your child to help you pick out items, put them in the cart, and check them out at the register.

Doctors office activities
  • The doctor’s office can seem like an unfriendly place to a child. Talk with your child about the people who work there and the things you see there. That will make the doctor’s office seem more familiar. Many doctors’ offices also have children’s books and magazines in the waiting room. Reading to your child is a great way to help him relax. Learn more
Other Upcoming Events & Storytimes
Thursday, October 4 at 11:00am
Family Story Time at the Lincoln Community Center Library
Family Story Time, explores stories at the library. Join us for an interactive story time featuring books, music, movement, and art. Have fun while helping our child develop early literacy skills.

Monday, October 15 at 10:00am
Baby Bounce 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.

Thursday, October 4, 11, 18, 25 at 6:30pm
Evening Story Time at Blasco Memorial Library
Do you work during our morning story time 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. Story times are a great opportunity to help your child get ready to read. Come join the fun! Learn more.

Friday, October 5 at 12:15pm
Family Friendly Story Time at The Achievement Center
Join us at the Achievement Center for a family friendly story time the first Friday of each month at 12:15 PM. Enjoy a read-aloud and then complete a craft project with your child. We will have resources on hand and a light snack. Learn more.
The Little Engine That Could
Perhaps one of the most famous and beloved American children’s books, is the story of “ The story of a train filled with toys and gifts for little boys and girls that breaks down before reaching the children.
After asking several passing trains for help over the hill, a little blue train agrees to help the stranded toys. Even though she is small, the blue train tries her best to bring the toys to the children on the other side of the hill. 


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.