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Library program helps children ‘give a hoot’ about reading
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Livia Chilin of Canfield had fun answering questions and listening to stories at Austintown library Sept. 11.
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Children’s Librarian, Kathe Orr, performed an experiment mixing food coloring and shaving cream during “Baby Brilliant” at Austintown library Sept. 12.
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Kathe Orr, sang songs and taught children how to identify colors during “Baby Brilliant” at Austintown library.
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Neighbors | Eartha Terrell.Dominic Delucia (left) of Canfield and Michael Sosnowski of Poland clapped and sang during “Baby Brilliant” at Austintown library Sept. 12.
By EARTHA TERRELL
Toddlers gained a better understanding of owls during “Baby Brilliant” at Poland library Sept. 20.
Children’s Librarian Amanda Kollar taught children about owls while they practiced reading and literacy skills.
“We choose a different topic each week and since it’s fall I thought it would be good to talk about owls. I talked about fun facts and how they hunt at night and we did various songs. We use rhymes because a lot of times it breaks down sounds in words and showing books helps with vocabulary. We show them how to recognize the way a book is read and they also repeat phrases, which helps with their narrative skills. I just wanted to show them the love of books and build early literacy,” Kollar said.
Participants learned facts about owls and the way they hunt and sleep. Children also sang songs and got the opportunity to create their own personal owl during arts and crafts.
Parents and grandparents also participated with children and made the experience more interactive. Cyndee Playforth was pleased with program’s ability to make reading a fun and interesting experience for her granddaughter, Taylor McCully.
“This was a wonderful event. This is our first time here in Poland and it’s magnificent and very conducive to their size. I’m very impressed and we will definitely be back,” Playforth said.