Hi Everyone!

It’s the middle of September already and Fall is near! I hope everyone is well.  

There are a few different areas I planned to touch on this month. We’re all trying to social distance while continuing to encourage early literacy growth, and having fun while doing so.   

There are lots of theme possibilities for the month of September. Some of my ideas were Fall, Picnics, All About Me, Teachers, Pirates, and Libraries Rock (for library card sign up month!). You may have different theme ideas, but just remember to make it interesting, educational, and fun! The interest and engagement will keep children's attention while sneaking in some learning.

Whatever the theme, we want to remember to choose with intention and purpose. Why are we reading the books that we’re reading?  Why did we choose that specific craft or other activity?  What skills are the children getting from this storytime or activity?

Fall is my favorite month, so that would be my choice of theme. Some book ideas would be: 

There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Leaves! A fun book with sequencing, you can ask the children what came 1st, 2nd, and so on.  Repetition and rhyming are also winning factors. It definitely keeps children’s attention and as they wonder the reason why the old lady is gathering the items.	Leaf Jumpers A great way for children to start learning how to identify leaves, why they change color, their shapes and other interesting leaf facts. Its simple text makes it easy for the little ones to understand while incorporating science.	We're Going on a Leaf Hunt Rhyming words, fun sound effects and best of all interactive…a great way to take this autumn favorite book outside for a fall adventure. The kids would be getting some outside time while being able to socially distance. They can even take a grocery bag and gather a few leaves for a craft activity for another day!

These books are fun, interactive and a beneficial source for early learning.

As I have said before, we must realize children feel stress, irritation, anxiety, and other unpleasant emotions, just as we do as adults. They just may not know how to express it. As hard as it may seem we have to remember that and have a little more patience and understanding. So with that being said, think outside of the box. Laugh a lot and have as much fun as possible while still being safe.

If you would like to check out any of the books I mentioned or any other wonderful books, you may do so by way of Express Books for Institutions.

As always, please contact me by email shannon.keaton@co.iredell.nc.us or by phone at (704)878-3090 ext. 3097 if you have questions, concerns or ideas. 

Be great and be safe,

Ms. Shannon