Introducing Cromaine's Early Literacy Kits

Press release from the Cromaine District Library:

November 18, 2021

Cromaine’s brand new Early Literacy kits check out for one week and are great to use with children at home or in the classroom. They are intended for ages 2-6 and provide parents and caregivers with the tools to read, write, sing, play, and talk together– the 5 practices necessary for building essential brain connections and preparing children to enter school ready to learn.

Early Literacy kits contain:

• Books. Reading aloud to children is the single most important activity for helping them build the knowledge required for eventual reading success.
• Educational Toys. Children learn more effectively when information is presented in a variety of ways, and toys or manipulatives can help bring concepts to life through play.
• Songs to Share. Singing helps children develop language skills by slowing down language so they can hear the different sounds in words. Lyrics to songs and rhymes are included in each kit to be enjoyed at home, in the car, waiting in a line, or anywhere!
• Additional Activity Ideas. Word games and activity ideas which utilize items found around the house are included to promote writing, talking, and playing. Writing helps children become aware that printed letters stand for spoken words and talking with your child helps them improve their vocabulary and become familiar with the rhythm of conversations.

Each Early Literacy kit explores a different theme! Learn more about the contents of each kit below, and place a kit on hold today on Cromaine’s online catalog. Colors All Around

• Books: Bear Sees Colors by Karma Wilson, Lemons Are Not Red by Laura Vaccaro Seeger, and Animal Colors by Beth Fielding
• Nuts About Sorting Set
• My First Match-Ups Soft Puzzle Pieces Set

Yoga

• Books: Yoga Bunny by Brian Russo, I Am Yoga by Susan Verde, and Meditate With Me by Miriam Gates
• Yoga Pretzels Activity Cards
• Wood Chimes

ABCs

• Books: Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin, Jr., Animalia by Graeme Base, and LMNO Peas by Keith Baker
• ABC Wooden Blocks
• Lowercase Tactile Letter Cards
• Uppercase Tactile Letter Cards

Music Time!

• Bears in a Band by Shirley Parenteau, 88 Instruments by Chris Barton, and Music Everywhere by Maya Ajmera
• Musical Instruments
• Shake & Move Ribbon Bells

Shapes

• Books: Color Zoo by Lois Ehlert, My Very First Book of Shapes by Eric Carle, and Round is a Mooncake by Roseanne Thong
• Foam Color Sorting Game
• Lace & Trace Shapes

Explore these resources for more information about the five practices of Early Literacy:

• Colorado Libraries for Early Literacy: Five Early Literacy Practices
• Saroj Ghoting: Early Literacy Handouts and Activities
• The Five Practices And The Early Literacy Components Support Each Other: Examples
• Arapahoe Libraries: Early Literacy Practices and Skills
• Reading Rockets: Dialogic Reading: An Effective Way to Read Aloud with Young Children

This press release was produced by the Cromaine District Library. The views expressed are the author's own.