Greetings Grown-ups of Little Readers!
Are you new to this blog? If so, welcome! I’m Mrs. Emmons, Early Learning Specialist at Frankenmuth Wickson District Library. My passion is children’s literature. I was a kindergarten teacher for 16 years in Frankenmuth and have a Master’s Degree in K-12 Literacy. I love helping families with literacy at home and to help little readers grow with their skills and have even submitted a manuscript for a children’s picture book myself.
My plan is to post to this blog twice a month with ideas you can try, literacy tips and even some great new books to read from our library. I will write “Dear Abby Style” with Q and A. I would love for you to send me your questions to: wicksonkids@gmail.com and I will definitely respond back to you.
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Pictured: Ada Love Emmons age: 12 months (June 2015)
Post #2
November 22, 2022
Dear Mrs. Emmons,
I have a super busy toddler!I have been trying to read her, but she just won’t sit still. She wanders all around and is not paying attention to the book. Help! How can I read to my child if she is just too busy?
Sincerely,
Tired Mama in Muth
Dear Tired Mama,
You get a GOLD STAR for reading to your toddler! You are doing just what you should be doing to help her grow with language and literacy! Toddlers are not made to sit still so it’s perfectly normal and okay that they wander as you are reading. She is a little sponge and is taking everything in even on the move!
Here are some tips and things to remember when reading to a toddler:
Try choosing some interactive books. Books that you can feel/touch/hear or interact with flaps and buttons are super engaging.
Instead of having a super long reading session, read a few times throughout the day for shorter intervals. Also, pay attention to the time of day. If a certain time of day is not working, maybe your child is a “before nap” reader or an “after breakfast” reader.
Rhyming and singing count as language learning too! Put some music on or read some simple rhyming books and watch your child catch on and start joining in!
Take advantage of car seat time and play some audio books or kids stories in the car for your toddler. There are some excellent Podcasts for kids that can be easily played in the car for your whole family to listen to.
Not sure what books to choose for your toddler? Stop in your local library and ask! The staff would be more than happy to point you in the direction of some engaging stories for your little reader.
Until next time…
Peace, Love and Books,
Mrs. Emmons
Early Learning Specialist
Frankenmuth Wickson District Library
wicksonkids@gmail.com
Check out these NEW books you can read aloud to your little readers! They are available now at our library!
1. Dinosnores by: Sandra Boynton
A super cute picture book for your little dinosaur lover.
2. The Frustrating Book! By: Mo Willems
An Easy Reader book filled with squirrels teaching kids how to handle big emotions when they feel frustrated.
3. Love, Escargot by: Dashka Slater illustrated by: Sydney Hanson
A lovable snail is back for another Escargot adventure! I adore this series!
