February is National Library Lover’s Month! If it’s been a while since you visited your local library, this month is the perfect time to go back and bring your kids. Visiting the library is a key part of early childhood education, and the library’s importance isn’t limited to the books. Libraries are valuable additions to our communities and are often underutilized resources. Both you and your kids will benefit from trips to the library, so use National Library Lover’s Month as motivation to make library visits a regular occurrence for your family.
Libraries play a crucial role in early childhood education. Here are just a few of the benefits children receive from regularly visiting the library.
Develop Language Skills and a Love of Reading
Reading books is one of the most effective ways to expand a child’s vocabulary. Books of an appropriate reading level will introduce your child to new words and teach them how to use the words they already know. Reading aloud to children also teaches them how to pronounce the words they come across as they read. Children who are exposed to books at a young age are also more likely to love reading when they get older. Bringing them to the library is the perfect way to instill a love of reading in your children.
Explore the World and Expand Imagination
If you ask people who love books why they love them, you’ll get a different answer from everyone. However, you’ll notice some common themes in the answers you get. Whether you read fiction or nonfiction, books are portals to exploring the world and expanding your imagination. Many young children have intense interests in certain subjects, and your local librarian will be happy to help them find both stories and nonfiction books about their favorite subjects. Exploring the library also gives children an opportunity to discover new interests, and they’re already in the perfect place to learn more!
Learn and Play in a Safe Place
Early childhood education is a combination of learning and play, and your local library is a safe place to do both. Libraries have programs and activities for kids of all ages, ranging from storytimes to arts and crafts to science experiments. Many libraries also have access to museum passes or discounts for local activities. If you’re not visiting your local library, you’re missing out!
Early Childhood Education and Care | Wollaston Child Care Center
Our team at Wollaston Child Care Center understands that early childhood education has countless aspects. Our programs are designed to help each child flourish at home, in school, and in the community.
