Introducing Simple Steps Activity Bags

There are things you can do everyday at home to implement the Simple Steps framework at home. Right now, stop any DMPL library branch to pick up a Simple Steps bag with an activity sheet, Play-Doh and more information on easy and important early literacy skills. These Simple Steps bags are perfect for families with kids ages birth to preschool, and available in English and Spanish.

The activity sheet will give you prompts and suggestions for ways you can Read, Write, Sing, Play, and Talk with your child. Many of these activities are things you may already do at home like:

• Visit the library and borrow books to read at home
• Walk around your neighborhood and point out letters that you see
• Draw letters outside with chalk on pavement, in sand, or in snow.
• Point to foods in the grocery store and ask your child to identify the food and it’s color.

Complete and return the activity sheet for a prize bag that contains storytime scarves, egg shakers, and a book of your child’s choice!

The storytime scarves can be used for peek-a-boo, interactive games and movement to music.  Egg shakers are used in story times to help your little one find rhythm in songs and to develop executive function with freeze games (shake the eggs until told to “freeze” and hold them still—this helps kids learn to follow directions). With these fun toys you will be able to hold at home storytimes just like we do in the library!

Every child who completes the Simple Steps activity sheet will also have chance to choose a book to keep. A personal library at home helps build vocabulary, create a love of reading and increases children’s academic success.