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We are excited to announce a NEW program series for caregivers with kids ages 1-3: Grow a Reader Playgroup. This 5-week interactive playgroup will feature educational components with outside professionals each week that will developmentally support your reader through learning and play. Community professionals based on each week's theme will provide passive education to support caregivers of littles ages 1-3.  


What you can expect is LOTS of learning and EVEN MORE play! You'll walk into a closed off room full of a variety of toys, experience a process art station, enjoy a mini storytime, and learn from professionals in a 1-on-1 passive format all as your child plays with you. Yes! Learning is play and play is learning! Here's a sneak peek on what each of the 5 weeks will focus on:

  • Week 1: Early Literacy/General Parenting 
  • Week 2: Speech, Hearing, and Language Development 
  • Week 3: Child Development 
  • Week 4: Nutrition 
  • Week 5: Music and Movement

Starting in April! Register HERE for this 5-week program. Attendance at all 5 weeks is required. Another series will open up in August.

 
Still have questions? We have answers! 

Q: Who is this program for?

A: For caregivers--parents, grandparents, guardians, nannies--and their children ages 1-3. Siblings under 5 are welcome to also attend. The types of toys in the room and program are curated specifically for ages 1-3 and their developmental stage.

 
Q: What happens in a playgroup?

A: Lots of play and even more learning! A room full of toys will be available for you and your child, including areas like gross motor (toddler climbers, ball toss, balance beam), dramatic play (play kitchen, baby care center, dress up outfits), music (variety of instruments), puzzles, transportation (cars, trains, special play carpet), blocks, open-ended manipulatives (gears, linking toys), books, AND an entire section just for babies.

 
Q: Where does this take place?

A: The Benham Gallery Meeting Room on Thursdays 9:30am-11am for 5 weeks from April 3-May 1. Yes, the library will be closed at the start time, so you will enter behind the library where our drive-thru book drop is located. See the library before hours! 

 
Q: When do we learn about the topics from professionals?

A: Different community professionals will come each week based on the schedule and will have takeaway items for you to learn from based on their knowledge topic. Throughout the play time, they will passively visit with individuals or small groups to check in or allow you to ask questions. They are there for you and can support you and your child as much as you are comfortable with!

 
Q: Why should I sign up for this program?

A: Because caring for children shouldn't be done alone. Your library has created a community for families to learn and grow together. Not only will your child get a full play experience of learning, but YOU as the caregiver will learn ways to help your growing little one. Earn prizes for both kids and caregivers, too!

Research tells us that the first 5 years of life are the most critical in a child's development. Their brains are growing rapidly, and kids are soaking in the experiences all around them. What we expose and teach our children during this time sets them up for future success to be ready for school and life. We also know that a parent/caregiver is a child's first teacher, so let us help you in your role! This new playgroup program is supported by Family Place Libraries, which centers early childhood development at the forefront of what a public library should be providing instruction on. The Handley Library branch is seeking accreditation to become a Family Place Library this year! Stay tuned for more on the Grow a Reader brand that aligns with this accreditation in the next few months.


 

Raising a kid can be hard work. In a fast-moving world with lots of parenting "experts", it can be even harder to know what information is the most accurate and attainable for you and your family as your child grows up. That's where your public library comes in! With an array of collections, programs, and services to support you, we are here to help "grow" your reader at the library, focusing most on school-readiness for ages birth-5. For more information or to register with help, contact Youth Services Manager, Katie Moss at kmoss@handleyregional.org / 540-662-9041 x24.

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