Most people underestimate how early a child’s language development begins. Interactions with a child begin to impact language skills beginning not at six months, not at three months, but from the day the baby is born. That doesn’t mean you need to try to recreate preschool in your home. Helping your child be ready to learn to read is as simple as talking, singing, reading, writing, and playing!

JMRL’s Winter Reading Program, which runs from February 1 to March 2, is designed to help you do just that. Pick up an activity sheet at any JMRL location, or download it here to get started. This program is for children from birth up to 5 years old.

As you complete the fun activities, let your child color in the mittens on the sheet. When all 11 are complete, bring the sheet back to the library and your child can choose a free book. So brush off your memories of nursery rhymes and head to the library for some fun books to share! For more early literacy activity ideas, check out the family literacy calendar at DayByDayVA.

Don’t forget that your library card gives you free access to great children’s books and activities online as well. If you haven’t already, visit jmrl.org/databases and click “Kids and Teens” on the left-hand side. There you’ll find encyclopedias and other materials made specifically for children.

If you’re looking for a way to keep the momentum going once the Winter Reading Program ends, check out JMRL’s 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program. Books read during the Winter Reading Program may also be counted toward the 1,000 books challenge. Stop by any JMRL branch or visit jmrl.org/kids to learn more.