Simple Steps to Success: Write

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 WRITE.

Maddie on how writing helps build early literacy skills:

Even the youngest children can practice “writing” by using their hands in various ways. When you build up their hand and finger muscles, this helps with fine motor skills, which will support them as they learn to write, color, and draw later on.

Writing as a Simple Step can look like tracing letters in the air, in sand, or snow. Small children learn to write through simple scribbles, doodles, and scratches. Keep encouraging them to do that, whether they be spirals, stick figures, or something of their own creation.

Coloring and drawing as they get older are also great ways to develop fine motor skills and build hand strength – and is a wonderful creative outlet as well. These hands-on activities are not only fun and creative but a great way to fine tune those fine motor skills.

Simple Steps Activities: January 31-February 6

• Simple Steps Spot: Stickers
  • January 31 | South Side Library
• Simple Steps Spot: Sing
  • January 31-February 2 | Franklin Avenue Library
• Simple Steps Spot: Manga Tile Letters
  • January 31- February 6 | Central Library
• Simple Steps: Write/Pasos Sencillos: Escribir
  • ​​​​​​​February 1 | Forest Avenue Library
• Simple Steps Spot: Shape Hunt
  • ​​​​​​​February 1 | East Side Library
• Simple Steps Spot: Read!
  • ​​​​​​​February 2-5 | North Side Library