Simple Steps to Success: Play

Over the next several weeks, we're talking about the importance of early literacy skills and highlighting how the Simple Steps to Success program can help parents and caregivers incorporate those skills into their everyday lives.

Our Outreach Librarian, Maddie Bassman, has been involved in early literacy for several years. Maddie is a passionate advocate for literacy for all ages in the Des Moines Community. Since 2014, she has worked the Central Library and East Side Library in various roles, engaging families with literacy support both in the library and out in community settings.  This week, she's discussing PLAY.

Maddie on how playing helps build early literacy skills:

Play is the work of childhood. When a child plays, they are using their hands to explore the world. This gives them concrete, real life examples that build strong connections in their brains.

You can expand vocabulary through play, work through socio-emotional skills, and work on problem solving skills with basic play like building a tower and knocking it down. Play ties into all of the Simple Steps beautifully and supports early learning in a way that makes kids excited to learn!

Simple Steps Activities: February 14-20

• Simple Steps Spot: Shape Hunt
  • February 14 | South Side Library
• Simple Steps: Play/Pasos Sencillos: Jugar
  • February 14 | Forest Avenue Library
• Simple Steps Spot: Play
  • February 14-16 | Franklin Avenue Library
• Simple Steps Spot: Forest Friends Bingo
  • February 14-20 | Central Library
• Simple Steps Spot: Block Day!
  • February 15 | East Side Library
• Simple Steps Spot: Write
  • February 16-19 | North Side Library