Welcome to the first issue of Fraser Valley Regional Library's 1000 Stories Before Kindergarten newsletter!
First launched in 2015, the 1000 Stories program has nurtured hundreds of children along the path to literacy. Research shows that sharing stories and reading to your child aloud can have profound benefits. These include stronger vocabulary, increased reading readiness, and positive attitudes and habits around reading.
We have created this monthly newsletter to keep participants motivated and engaged as they follow the 1000 Stories program. In each issue you'll find early literacy information, reading tips, book recommendations and activities for parents and children to enjoy together. We hope you'll find this content useful, and we invite you to share it other parents of young children. Thanks for joining us, and happy reading!
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Do you want to receive this monthly newsletter by email? Subscribe here.
Looking for more information on FVRL's 1000 Stories Before Kindergarten?
Go to www.fvrl.ca/1000stories for program details and signup.
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Reading Together While Staying Apart
These days it's easier than ever to read together while being physically apart. We might not be able to snuggle with a book on the couch, but we can still connect by using devices like phones, laptops and tablets. Connecting can be easy with a spontaneous call, a scheduled visit or even a recorded story told ahead of time. Remember: every reading interaction counts towards the goal of reading 1,000 stories!
There are many possibilities for families to read together while being apart, and the stories told can build relationships and bring good memories to young and old. The children themselves will see this as a normal part of everyday reading experiences. Reading together while apart is possible — and fun!
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Many Ways to Connect
Loved ones can read to a child by using an app that suits them. Some of the most common apps are listed here:
- FaceTime (Apple)
- Duo (Android)
- Skype (Microsoft Teams)
- Facebook Meeting Room
- Zoom
- Marco Polo
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Reading Tip
Take your time and use expression while reading. Pause for effect and give your young listeners time to process what they have heard. Afterwards, share thoughts about the story.
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Neighbourhood Scavenger Hunt Activity
Here's a fun activity to get your family outdoors while social distancing. Print out the linked activity sheet and go on an outdoor scavenger hunt with your kids!
Preschoolers learn through play, observation and exploration. Scavenger hunts encourage family interaction and discovery of the outside world. How many things can you spy? Put on your eagle eyes and start exploring!
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Winter Toddler Books
Celebrate winter with these staff-recommend picture books. All are available from FVRL, with many in ebook format. The titles books below are just a few of the great winter reads available from FVRL. Check out the complete reading list here.
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Ten Ways to Hear Snow by Cathy Camper
Ages 4–8. Walking to her grandmother's home to help make warak enab, Lina discovers many ways to hear snow, from the scrape of a shovel on a sidewalk to the quiet pats of snowman-building.
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Good Morning, Snowplow! by Deborah Bruss
Ages 4–8. Walking to her grandmother's home to help make warak enab, Lina discovers many ways to hear snow, from the scrape of a shovel on a sidewalk to the quiet pats of snowman-building.
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A Very Cold, Freezing, No-Numbers Day
by Ashley N. Sorenson
Ages 3–7. All the numbers have frozen! Children must trace, blow on and count the numbers to unfreeze them, and in the process they will learn colours, seasons, patterns and numbers.
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A Polar Bear in the Snow by Mac Barnett
Ages 3–7. Follow a magnificent polar bear through a fantastic world of snow and shockingly blue sea. Over the ice, through the water, past Arctic animals and even a human...where is he going?
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Winter Days Spring Days by Kate Colley
Ages 0–4. Celebrates all the things that make winter and spring special, including flakes of snow, snowmen, and ponds to skate on in winter, and crocus blooms, baby birds in the nest, and playing in the playground in spring. This board book can be read backwards and upside down, making it a great tactile choice to read with babies and toddlers!
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Further Reading: Family Literacy Week
Every January, FVRL celebrates Family Literacy Week, a time to enjoy reading with our families. This year's theme is Let’s Be Active! Move, Play, Learn. Our library staff have been busy creating lists of books and resources to help you enjoy reading and being active with your loved ones.
Remember, the family that reads together succeeds together!
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Stay in Touch
There are so many ways to engage with your library – even when our buildings are closed!
- Virtual Programs: Fun for the whole family, new interactive Storytimes premiere daily on our Facebook page. View archived programs on our Youtube channel. Check out our Events calendar to find the latest virtual programs schedule.
- Digital Content: Our kids' digital content collection includes interactive stories, read-along books and other age-appropriate online resources – all free for FVRL customers.
- My Reading Adviser: Our team of experts can provide reading recommendations tailored to your needs and interests.
- FVRL News: Sign up for our monthly customer newsletter with the latest information on library services, events and reading recommendations.
- NextReads Newsletters: Find your next great read! Subscribe to receive FVRL staff-curated email newsletters, featuring new titles and good reads you may have missed. There is a newsletter for every age and interest, including one just for Picture Books!
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