Did you know that play is one of the building blocks of early literacy skills? According to the Encyclopedia of Early Childhood Development, “Play and literacy share higher-order cognitive processes such as symbolic thinking, imaging, and problem-solving.” In other words, playing get a child’s brain moving, which strengthens connections in their brain and makes learning to read easier! Playing is vital for healthy brain and body development, and it’s an activity we encourage at all of our library locations. Here’s what you can find at each place (plus a few extra items thrown in time to time):
Lisa Rice Library:
- Interactive science wall
- Light table
- Felt wall
- Water Tower
- Puzzles
- Giant blue blocks in the children’s program room
Bob Kirby Branch:
- Activity tree
- LEGO table
- Mega LEGOS
- Puzzles
- Hot air balloon
- Little blue blocks in the children’s program room
Smiths Grove Branch:
- Indoor treehouse
- Beam projection games
- Sea dragon cushions
- Little blue blocks in the program room
Buchanon Park Branch:
- Puppet theater
- Little blue blocks
- Indoor play area just outside the branch in the Tennis/Multipurpose Facility
According to the Encyclopedia of Early Childhood Development, “Play and literacy share higher-order cognitive processes such as symbolic thinking, imaging, and problem-solving.”