Simple Steps to Success: Talk

We've spend the last few weeks 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, the last one in the series, she's discussing TALK.

Maddie on how playing helps build early literacy skills:

Talking and the back and forth of regular conversation is such an important part of early literacy. It’s how babies learn words and learn how to communicate. Talking about things they see every day builds those connections between what they see and what you say. This builds vocabulary, speech, and helps them understand language. Communicate with children the language you are most comfortable speaking – it is the best way for them to learn.

Simple Steps Activities: February 14-20

• Simple Steps Spot: Block Day
  • February 21| South Side Library
• Simple Steps: Play/Pasos Sencillos: Charlar
  • February 21| Forest Avenue Library
• Simple Steps Spot: Read
  • February 21-23 | Franklin Avenue Library
• Simple Steps Spot: Make Your Own Kazoo
  • February 21-27 | Central Library
• Simple Steps Spot: Animal Sounds
  • February 22| East Side Library
• Simple Steps Spot: Talk
  • February 23-26 | North Side Library