Oct 01, 2024
At Little Green Rascals Bishopthorpe, we are lucky to have the perfect neighbour—a lovely Public Library right next door! Our proximity to the library allows us to provide regular opportunities for children from all our rooms to explore books, hear engaging stories, and develop a love for reading. These visits are always a highlight of the week, and they help foster essential early literacy skills in a fun and welcoming environment.
Each week, small groups of children excitedly make their way to the library, where they can dive into the wonderful world of books. They love flipping through the pages, admiring the illustrations, and sometimes discovering a new favourite story. The library also hosts a special Story and Song Time every Thursday, and it has quickly become a favourite activity for the children. They enjoy listening to stories and singing along to familiar songs, creating a magical blend of literacy and music that they look forward to each week.
A Special Day at the Library
Recently, our Pre-schoolers enjoyed a particularly fun outing to the library. They gathered in the cozy reading corner to listen to a story read by Beth, one of the library staff members, who captivated their attention with her lively storytelling. Afterward, the children had the chance to explore the shelves, choose books of their own, and sit down for some quiet reading time. The sight of them curled up with a book, completely absorbed in the story, was heart warming!
A Playful Afternoon
But the fun didn’t stop at the library! After their morning of reading, the Pre-schoolers headed to our local park for some outdoor play. They ran, climbed, and laughed together, enjoying the fresh air and the freedom to explore. To top off the perfect day, they were treated to a delicious ice cream—a sweet reward for their morning of learning and playing.
The Importance of Reading
Reading with children has profound benefits for their overall development. As they listen to stories and interact with books, they are building crucial skills in language, communication, and imagination. Beyond that, storytime enhances cognitive, physical, social, and emotional growth, providing a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
We encourage families to make reading a part of everyday life at home, too!