Early Literacy

Learning to read begins BEFORE your child starts school — as a matter of fact, it begins at birth!

There are five early literacy practices that every child needs every day to get ready to read: Talking, Writing, Reading, Singing, Playing .

The following materials have been added to the Junior library space to provide an environment that supports early literacy and learning:  Busy beads rack for eye-hand coordination , desk with writing center, supplies and storage, five inch magnetic alphabet skill building letters and numbers, a storage unit with magnetic and write-on wipe off surface, toddler storage unit with bins of manipulative items, big mouth puppets, small safety mirror, color-changing  touch board. Items are arranged so the child has easy access to materials.  Soon to arrive are two manipulative play sets and comfy seating for parents and child.

Books on the tree bookcase have high contrast, simple concepts, point and say, interactive elements of peek-a-boo or touch and feel. They have been marked ELLC for Early Literacy Learning Center; the books and many of the materials above have been purchased with a generous grant from Marathon Classic, Owens Corning and O-I, and LPGA.

Research shows that birth through age five is the most important time for children to develop their brains and attitudes towards reading and learning. “Every Child Ready to Read” gives parents fun ideas and information to help prepare children for school and encourage a lifelong love of reading. Register now for each of four classes on the Programs schedule. It’s never too early or too late to help your child develop language and other literacy skills.

1,000 Books before Kindergarten 

Did you know that reading to your child is one of the most powerful ways to boost his or her brain power? The simple and enjoyable act of sharing books helps your child learn pre-reading skills such as understanding the sounds letters make, developing a bigger vocabulary and building background knowledge – all important skills that help prepare your child for learning to read and entering kindergarten.

Tiffin-Seneca Public Library’s 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Program is a fun, exciting and free way to start your child on the path to success! Any child ages birth to five years can participate. Just follow these steps:
    1. Register: Get your sign up form at Tiffin-Seneca Public Library or print out the form here. Once it is filled out, bring it in to the Library to get your 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten kit and learn how to get started.
    2. Track your reading: Keep track of all of the books you’ve read by writing them down or download iPhone App, available on iTunes or the Android App, available on Google Play.
    3. Every book counts: even if your child wants to hear the same book again and again, you can count it each time. You can also count the books your child hears in story time, in daycare or preschool, or with a friend or family member, as long as your child listens to the entire book.
    4. 100 – Book Milestones: Each time you read 100 books, bring your reading record to the library to receive a special reward. Take home a new reading record for your next 100 books.
    5. 1,000 Books: You did it! Come celebrate at the library, see your child’s name placed on the 1,000 Book Wall of Fame and receive a free book.
    6. Keep on reading: Don’t stop at 1,000! Keep on reading together; there’s more learning ahead.

Singing songs, saying rhymes, telling stories and playing with your child are all great ways to build their literacy skills. Visit Tiffin-Seneca Public Library often for free programs that are fun and educational for your little one and to find great books to share with your child.

One thousand books may seem like a lot, but if you read just one book a night, you’ll meet your goal in less than three years. If you read three books a night, you could reach your goal in just one year. Ask our friendly staff for suggestions – we’re here to help you on your journey to 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten!

Happy Reading!

Class and group visit information 

The Junior Library is happy to welcome any and all groups to stop by for a visit to the Tiffin-Seneca Public Library. In fact, staff is ready and willing to give tours of the entire Library or Junior Library, give book talks, host a story time, introduce and give direction on how to use the online library catalog and give talks on how to research at the library. 

Just give us a call at 419-447-3751 or email meeceas@tiffinsenecalibrary.org to schedule your visit today.

Teacher Assignment Alert

The Junior Library wants to help your students with their assignments. 

If you have an upcoming assignment that requires students to do research, let us know so we can be as helpful as possible when they stop by the Library. We want to make library visits as easy and accessible (and fun!) as we can. 

Give us a call or email meeceas@tiffinsenecalibrary.org to let us know the type of assignment, dates, number of students, what topics they will be working on, what they will be looking for (books, magazines, reference materials, websites, etc) and any other additional help we can provide the teacher or school.