Early Literacy

Mom reading to daughter

What is Early Literacy?

Early literacy is what your child knows about reading and writing before they actually learn to read and write.

Beginning at birth, parents/caregivers are children's first and most important teachers and can help them develop essential language skills by doing these simple and fun early literacy activities together every day: talking, singing, reading, writing, and playing.

Research shows that children are more prepared to become successful readers when parents and caregivers engage in early literacy activities with them.

 

Upcoming Events

Laptime for Pipsqueaks

10:30am - 11:00am
Storytime
Registration
Location: Bedford Hills Free Library
Age Group: Babies & Toddlers
Program Type: Storytime
Registration Required

Laptime for Pipsqueaks

Caregivers join Miss Rachel for a storytime that utilizes "lap bounces," fingerplays, songs, and picture books to underline the importance of talking, singing, and reading with babies. Puppets, shakers, and colorful scarves also engage our littlest patrons and to encourage caregiver/child interaction. 

Please register, walk-ins welcome.

Event Details:
Rachel Izes is the coordinator for the Library's Early Literacy Program. ...

Little Folks & Friends

10:30am - 11:00am
Storytime
Registration
Location: Bedford Hills Free Library
Age Group: Babies & Toddlers
Program Type: Storytime
Registration Required

Little Folks & Friends

Join Miss Rachel for a storytime that embraces toddlers' boundless energy and focus on stories, singing, and movement. Storytimes are centered on a theme to increase vocabulary and knowledge of a subject. Toddlers learn sounds, letter/number recognition, and language patterns while having fun with their caregivers and peers. 

Please register, walk-ins welcome.

Event Details:
Rachel Izes is the coordinator of the Library's Early Literacy Program. ...

Laptime for Pipsqueaks

10:30am - 11:00am
Storytime
Registration
Location: Bedford Hills Free Library
Age Group: Babies & Toddlers
Program Type: Storytime
Registration Required

Laptime for Pipsqueaks

Caregivers join Miss Rachel for a storytime that utilizes "lap bounces," fingerplays, songs, and picture books to underline the importance of talking, singing, and reading with babies. Puppets, shakers, and colorful scarves also engage our littlest patrons and to encourage caregiver/child interaction. 

Please register, walk-ins welcome.

Event Details:
Rachel Izes is the coordinator for the Library's Early Literacy Program. ...

Little Folks & Friends

10:30am - 11:00am
Storytime
Registration
Location: Bedford Hills Free Library
Age Group: Babies & Toddlers
Program Type: Storytime
Registration Required

Little Folks & Friends

Join Miss Rachel for a storytime that embraces toddlers' boundless energy and focus on stories, singing, and movement. Storytimes are centered on a theme to increase vocabulary and knowledge of a subject. Toddlers learn sounds, letter/number recognition, and language patterns while having fun with their caregivers and peers. 

Please register, walk-ins welcome.

Event Details:
Rachel Izes is the coordinator of the Library's Early Literacy Program. ...

Laptime for Pipsqueaks

10:30am - 11:00am
Storytime
Registration
Location: Bedford Hills Free Library
Age Group: Babies & Toddlers
Program Type: Storytime
Registration Required

Laptime for Pipsqueaks

Caregivers join Miss Rachel for a storytime that utilizes "lap bounces," fingerplays, songs, and picture books to underline the importance of talking, singing, and reading with babies. Puppets, shakers, and colorful scarves also engage our littlest patrons and to encourage caregiver/child interaction. 

Please register, walk-ins welcome.

Event Details:
Rachel Izes is the coordinator for the Library's Early Literacy Program. ...

Download & Stream

Kanopy Kids

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Kanopy Kids highlights films and TV series that help children develop empathy, mindfulness, and self-esteem through entertaining and educational videos.

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Libby Kids

Libby for Kids

Download eBooks, eAudiobooks, and digital magazines with the Libby app for your Apple or Android device or the OverDrive collection for your Kindle tablet or desktop PC.

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TumbleBooks

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An online collection of animated, talking picture books, reading comprehension quizzes, educational games and teacher resources for libraries.

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Tutor.com

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Library Card Required OR In Library Access

Live chat is available for help with job searching, resume preparation, and interviewing. Submit resumes and cover letters for professional review and receive feedback.

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Recommended Resources

PBS

pbs kids for parents

Between birth and age five, 90 percent of a child’s brain develops. During these early years, it’s critical to build the foundational cognitive and social-emotional skills that kids need to be successful lifelong learners.

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Talking is Teaching

Talking is Teaching logo

"Talking is Teaching: Talk, Read, Sing" is a public awareness and action campaign that helps parents recognize their power to boost their children’s early brain and vocabulary development through simple, everyday actions.

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Zero to Three

Zero to Three logo

We have translated our expertise in the science of early childhood development into pioneering programs, field-leading training and resources, and responsive policy solutions.

View Resource

Bedford Hills Free Library’s Early Literacy Initiative is generously supported by the David Worby Foundation.

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