The first five years are so very important.

 Lets talk about why it is important to read to your children.

​​Maya Payne Smart has a book, Reading for Our Lives, A Literacy Action Plan from Birth to Six, that shares why parents should read to their children from birth. It's not just about the act of reading, it's about the brain building with interaction and the connection... babbling conversations back and forth, following the lines of words on the page, turning the page. 

Take-away tips from Story Time you can do at home!

Story times are fun and include components that help build your child's literacy foundation like fingerplay, rhyming, and repetition.

More Educational Videos:

First Stop Resources

Marion Public Library

​The Marion Public Library has resources to enhance a child’s reading experience, as well as trained staff to help you pick out an age-appropriate book to read today.  Stop in today to get a library card for your child!
​

Marion Imagination Library

Register your child to receive a book a month delivered in their mailbox through Dolly Parton Imagination Library. This program is brought to you by Ohio Governors Imagination Library with Marion Public Library being the local partner providing fundraising.
 
You can ENROLL a child from age 0-5 today to start receiving books today. 
​

Ohio Coalition For The Education ​of Children with Disabilities

You don't have to have a disability to need just a little help. OCECD offers great resources to help your child through reading challenges. Contact Amy Freeman to register for one of her training sessions. This is open to parents, guardians or teachers.

Here is a link to our current NEWSLETTERS downloadable from their website. They are chocked full of additional links to help with reading results. Take a moment to sign up to get them in your own mail box.

While you are there be sure to brows the RESOURCE links as well.

Wonderful Reading Resources

For Parents

Tip Sheets from LR20:
Beat the Summer Slide Tip Sheet
Parent Reader Parts Tip Sheet
Preschoolers 3 & 4 years Tip Sheet

Day By Day Ohio is a tool that families, caregivers, educators, and librarians can use at home, at the library, on the go, and in the classroom.

Reading Tips for Families is a website developed to help Ohio’s families learn more about reading. Visit the website often to see new fun and engaging activities.

Teach Your Monster to Read is an award-winning series of games that’s helped millions of children learn to read.

Sesame Workshop has a mission to help children everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder. Their site features a page dedicated to language and literacy.
​
Choose to Read Ohio features an annual list of books that feature Ohio authors. It's a great resource if you want to "read local" (or at least Ohio) with your kids. Many of the selections include activities or discussion sheets. 

PBS Kids: ABC Literacy page has literacy activities, educational articles, and more.

Aqua by Adobe  The #1 art app for kids and families. Imagination starts here. 

For Teachers

Ohio Department of Education & Work Force
Read Ohio - Tips for Administrators, Teachers and Families 

​12 Reader 
Reading resources including printable worksheets and lessons.

​Adlit.org 
Resources and professional guidance for teachers grades 4–12.
​
Read Write Think - Classroom Resources 
Lessons, Interactives, Activities, and Instructional Support.

Ohio Ready to Read
Support for library-based activities that contribute to the reading readiness of 0-5 year old.