Library has children moving toward literacy

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Children’s librarian Judy Sluss entertained the children with a special version of “Old Mother Hubbard,” where she could pose moveable pieces to follow the story.

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Dominic Polkovitch used the rhythm sticks during story time. Using rhythm and breaking down syllables will help him become a better reader.

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Neighbors | Sarah Foor.After all the moving and shaking, the children got a chance to pick of good book and cuddle with their parents, as Alexa Blackann and her son Owen show.

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Mackenzie Ross showed off her surprised face during a particularly interesting story.

By SARAH FOOR

neighbors@vindy.com

Gotta Move Story Time, a biweekly interactive playtime at the Austintown library, provided an exciting morning on Aug. 26.

Judy Sluss hosted the event.

“It has the kids moving and playing so much they hardly know they’re learning valuable literacy skills,” she explained.

These important skills were masked under the fun of rhyming games, syllable and rhythm sounding, and a parent-and-child reading time. For example, rhyming helps the children discover words and increase their vocabulary. When Sluss handed out rhythm sticks and had the children sound out their names, she was helping the children discover sounds.

The children then had a chance to settle in with their parents and read from some of the selections from the library’s children section. Before leaving, the children made a circle and played pop goes the weasel and ring around the rosy.

“The circle games have a purpose of course, but mostly, they’re just fun,” Sluss said with a smile.