Early literacy refers to the pre-reading and pre-writing skills a child should know before starting kindergarten. Every Child Ready to Read has defined 5 early literacy practices to help parents and caregivers nurture early literacy anytime, anywhere.
The 5 practices are:
Talk, Read, Sing, Write, Play
· Talk about the activity or book you are sharing with your child.
· Sing or make up songs while doing chores, building blocks, etc.
· Read books, magazines, road signs, and more with your child.
· Write the letters of the alphabet, create a story, or draw shapes.
· Play with words, books, or toys to reinforce your child’s early literacy skills.
What is S.T.E.A.M. or S.T.E.M. learning?
The acronym refers to 5 educational disciplines that children should experience:
• Science
• Technology
• Engineering
• Art (not a part of STEM learning)
• Mathematics
Why is it important?
Not only do children need early literacy skills to prepare them for future learning, they also need basic S.T.E.A.M. concepts to help them excel in school.
Basic S.T.E.A.M. concepts include, but are not limited to:
• Shapes
• Counting
• Using crayons, pencils, and markers
• Building with blocks
• Listening to music
• Talking about the weather
• Cooking
• And MUCH more
Visit Every Child Ready to Read, or click here for more early literacy resources.
13dec10:00 a.m.11:30 a.m.Cookies with Mrs. Claus
Event Details
Join Mrs. Claus for a story, games, crafts, and, of course, some delicious cookies! She will take some time out of her busy schedule to visit Sherwood Branch Library on
Event Details
Join Mrs. Claus for a story, games, crafts, and, of course, some delicious cookies! She will take some time out of her busy schedule to visit Sherwood Branch Library on December 13 from 10:00-11:30AM. All ages are invited to join in the fun. No registration is needed.
Time
Location
Sherwood Branch Library
117 N. Harrison Street
Organizer
Krista Kirsch
15dec10:00 a.m.7:30 p.m.Whisker & Woof Scavenger Hunt Begins
Event Details
Visit the Children’s Department at Defiance Public Library during open hours Dec. 15-20 for our PAW-some Whisker & Woof Scavenger Hunt! Can you find
Event Details
Visit the Children’s Department at Defiance Public Library during open hours Dec. 15-20 for our PAW-some Whisker & Woof Scavenger Hunt! Can you find all of the hidden cats & dogs? When finished, return your sheet to the children’s desk for a prize. For some extra HOWL-iday cheer, kids who complete the hunt also have the chance to enter a drawing to win a stuffed pet!
(Drawings for the stuffed pets will take place Dec. 22 and winners will be notified by phone and email.)
Time
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.
Organizer
20dec10:30 a.m.12:00 p.m.Saturday Programs
Event Details
Grades pre-K through 6th, join us at Defiance Public Library on the following Saturdays from 10:30AM-noon for these fun projects! No registration is needed. September 13: LEGO Adventures October 18:
Event Details
Grades pre-K through 6th, join us at Defiance Public Library on the following Saturdays from 10:30AM-noon for these fun projects! No registration is needed.
September 13: LEGO Adventures
October 18: Jack-o-Lantern Jamboree
November 22: Craft Buffet (use our materials and get creative!)
December 20: LEGO Adventures
Time
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.
Organizer
23dec10:00 a.m.11:00 a.m.Inclusive Book Club
Event Details
Join Sherwood Branch Library and the Defiance County Board of Developmental Disabilities at the Inclusive Book Club. Meet us at Sherwood Branch Library, 117 N. Harrison St., Sherwood, for a
Event Details
Join Sherwood Branch Library and the Defiance County Board of Developmental Disabilities at the Inclusive Book Club. Meet us at Sherwood Branch Library, 117 N. Harrison St., Sherwood, for a morning of books, crafts, socializing, and fun!
The club meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month from 10:00-11:00AM. No registration is needed, and all are welcome. For more information call the library at 419-899-4343.
Time
Location
Sherwood Branch Library
117 N. Harrison Street
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
Organizer
30dec4:00 p.m.5:00 p.m.Lego Club
Event Details
School-aged children are invited to Johnson Memorial Library on the last Tuesday of the month from 4:00-5:00PM for Lego Club! We’ll give you a theme, and you let your imagination
Event Details
School-aged children are invited to Johnson Memorial Library on the last Tuesday of the month from 4:00-5:00PM for Lego Club! We’ll give you a theme, and you let your imagination run wild! No registration is needed. Lego Club does not meet in December.
Time
Location
Johnson Memorial Library
116 W. High St., Hicksville, Ohio
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
Organizer
01janAll DayKickoff: Winter Reading Challenge
Event Details
Register at this link beginning December 1This January, we’re partnering with Beansack to host the Winter Reading Challenge, featuring Beanstack’s Benny the Bean! Participants
Event Details
Register at this link beginning December 1
This January, we’re partnering with Beansack to host the Winter Reading Challenge, featuring Beanstack’s Benny the Bean! Participants will earn fun, Benny-themed badges, as well as entries into weekly drawings for a $5 coffee shop gift card and a grand-prize drawing for a $25 Barnes & Noble gift card. The Challenge takes place Jan. 1-31, and all ages are welcome to participate!
Additional details:
Each week, a winner will be chosen from those who logged 60 minutes within the past week; winners will be announced on Fridays, beginning January 10. The winner will receive their choice of a $5 gift card to Biggby, Dunkin’ Donuts, or Cabin Fever. A Grand Prize winner will be randomly chosen on February 3 from the list of those who logged 300 minutes (or more).
Time
Organizer
12jan10:00 a.m.7:30 p.m.Snowman Scramble Scavenger Hunt
Event Details
Visit the Children’s Department at Defiance Public Library during open hours January 12-17 for our Snowman Scramble scavenger hunt! Find the hidden items & clothing needed to “build” your snowman.
Event Details
Visit the Children’s Department at Defiance Public Library during open hours January 12-17 for our Snowman Scramble scavenger hunt! Find the hidden items & clothing needed to “build” your snowman. When finished, return your sheet to the children’s desk for a prize.
Geared to children in pre-K through 6th grade.
Time
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.
13jan10:00 a.m.7:30 p.m.Snowman Scramble Scavenger Hunt
Event Details
Visit the Children’s Department at Defiance Public Library during open hours January 12-17 for our Snowman Scramble scavenger hunt! Find the hidden items & clothing needed to “build” your snowman.
Event Details
Visit the Children’s Department at Defiance Public Library during open hours January 12-17 for our Snowman Scramble scavenger hunt! Find the hidden items & clothing needed to “build” your snowman. When finished, return your sheet to the children’s desk for a prize.
Geared to children in pre-K through 6th grade.
Time
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.
14jan10:00 a.m.5:00 p.m.Snowman Scramble Scavenger Hunt
Event Details
Visit the Children’s Department at Defiance Public Library during open hours January 12-17 for our Snowman Scramble scavenger hunt! Find the hidden items & clothing needed to “build” your snowman.
Event Details
Visit the Children’s Department at Defiance Public Library during open hours January 12-17 for our Snowman Scramble scavenger hunt! Find the hidden items & clothing needed to “build” your snowman. When finished, return your sheet to the children’s desk for a prize.
Geared to children in pre-K through 6th grade.
Time
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.
15jan10:00 a.m.7:30 p.m.Snowman Scramble Scavenger Hunt
Event Details
Visit the Children’s Department at Defiance Public Library during open hours January 12-17 for our Snowman Scramble scavenger hunt! Find the hidden items & clothing needed to “build” your snowman.
Event Details
Visit the Children’s Department at Defiance Public Library during open hours January 12-17 for our Snowman Scramble scavenger hunt! Find the hidden items & clothing needed to “build” your snowman. When finished, return your sheet to the children’s desk for a prize.
Geared to children in pre-K through 6th grade.
Time
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.
16jan10:00 a.m.5:00 p.m.Snowman Scramble Scavenger Hunt
Event Details
Visit the Children’s Department at Defiance Public Library during open hours January 12-17 for our Snowman Scramble scavenger hunt! Find the hidden items & clothing needed to “build” your snowman.
Event Details
Visit the Children’s Department at Defiance Public Library during open hours January 12-17 for our Snowman Scramble scavenger hunt! Find the hidden items & clothing needed to “build” your snowman. When finished, return your sheet to the children’s desk for a prize.
Geared to children in pre-K through 6th grade.
Time
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.
17jan10:00 a.m.12:00 p.m.PlayDough Party
Event Details
All ages are invited to join us for a PlayDough Party at Sherwood Branch Library from 10AM-noon on the following dates: January 17, March 21, and May 16. No registration
Event Details
All ages are invited to join us for a PlayDough Party at Sherwood Branch Library from 10AM-noon on the following dates: January 17, March 21, and May 16. No registration is needed. Let’s get creative!
Time
Location
Sherwood Branch Library
117 N. Harrison Street
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
Organizer
17jan10:00 a.m.1:00 p.m.Snowman Scramble Scavenger Hunt
Event Details
Visit the Children’s Department at Defiance Public Library during open hours January 12-17 for our Snowman Scramble scavenger hunt! Find the hidden items & clothing needed to “build” your snowman.
Event Details
Visit the Children’s Department at Defiance Public Library during open hours January 12-17 for our Snowman Scramble scavenger hunt! Find the hidden items & clothing needed to “build” your snowman. When finished, return your sheet to the children’s desk for a prize.
Geared to children in pre-K through 6th grade.
Time
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.
20jan11:00 a.m.Dragons Are Everywhere: Storyshare with NOCAC Head Start
Event Details
Head Start teachers Heidi & Gerri will be taking us on a dragon adventure! Meet their special dragon friend, enjoy a story & other activities on January 20 beginning at
Event Details
Head Start teachers Heidi & Gerri will be taking us on a dragon adventure! Meet their special dragon friend, enjoy a story & other activities on January 20 beginning at 11AM in the Nellie Gary Reading Room at Defiance Public Library.
This program is geared to ages 2-6 and no registration is needed.
Time
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.
Organizer
22jan5:30 p.m.6:30 p.m.Watercolor Snowman Painting
Event Details
Space is limited and registration is required! Register beginning December 29 on this page, or by calling 419-899-4343. This free craft class is geared to preschoolers and school-aged children. Visit Sherwood
Event Details
Space is limited and registration is required! Register beginning December 29 on this page, or by calling 419-899-4343. This free craft class is geared to preschoolers and school-aged children.
Visit Sherwood Branch Library on Thursday, January 22, from 5:30-6:30PM to paint and decorate a snowman using watercolors, glue, and beads. Your design will make even Olaf proud!
Time
Location
Sherwood Branch Library
117 N. Harrison Street
Organizer
02feb5:30 p.m.6:00 p.m.Family Storytime
Event Details
Visit Defiance Public Library every Monday from Jan. 26 through March 30 for Family Storytime from 5:30-6:00PM. Family Storytime is geared to ages 0-6 and combines Tuesday’s Read, Rhyme, &
Event Details
Visit Defiance Public Library every Monday from Jan. 26 through March 30 for Family Storytime from 5:30-6:00PM.
Family Storytime is geared to ages 0-6 and combines Tuesday’s Read, Rhyme, & Romp and Storytime sessions into a shorter program perfect for busy families!
We will meet in the Nellie Gary Reading Room. No registration is required.
Time
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
Organizer
03feb10:30 a.m.11:00 a.m.Read, Rhyme, & Romp
Event Details
Visit Defiance Public Library every Tuesday from Jan. 27 to March 31 from 10:30-11:00AM for Read, Rhyme, and Romp, featuring stories, songs, and rhymes promoting early literacy for babies and
Event Details
Visit Defiance Public Library every Tuesday from Jan. 27 to March 31 from 10:30-11:00AM for Read, Rhyme, and Romp, featuring stories, songs, and rhymes promoting early literacy for babies and toddlers (ages 0-2).
Read, Rhyme, and Romp will take place in the Nellie Gary Reading Room. No registration is needed.
Dates: Jan. 27; Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24; March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
(Storytime for ages 2-6 will immediately follow on the same days, from 11:00-11:30AM)
Time
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
Organizer
03feb11:00 a.m.11:30 a.m.Storytime
Event Details
Visit Defiance Public Library every Tuesday from Jan. 27 to March 31 from 11:00-11:30AM for Storytime, featuring stories, songs, and rhymes promoting early literacy for ages 2-6.Storytime will take place
Event Details
Visit Defiance Public Library every Tuesday from Jan. 27 to March 31 from 11:00-11:30AM for Storytime, featuring stories, songs, and rhymes promoting early literacy for ages 2-6.
Storytime will take place in the Nellie Gary Reading Room. No registration is needed.
Dates: Jan. 27; Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24; March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
(Read, Rhyme, and Romp for ages 0-2 will take place immediately before Storytime on the same days, from 10:30-11:00AM.)
Time
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
Organizer
09feb5:30 p.m.6:00 p.m.Family Storytime
Event Details
Visit Defiance Public Library every Monday from Jan. 26 through March 30 for Family Storytime from 5:30-6:00PM. Family Storytime is geared to ages 0-6 and combines Tuesday’s Read, Rhyme, &
Event Details
Visit Defiance Public Library every Monday from Jan. 26 through March 30 for Family Storytime from 5:30-6:00PM.
Family Storytime is geared to ages 0-6 and combines Tuesday’s Read, Rhyme, & Romp and Storytime sessions into a shorter program perfect for busy families!
We will meet in the Nellie Gary Reading Room. No registration is required.
Time
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
Organizer
10feb10:30 a.m.11:00 a.m.Read, Rhyme, & Romp
Event Details
Visit Defiance Public Library every Tuesday from Jan. 27 to March 31 from 10:30-11:00AM for Read, Rhyme, and Romp, featuring stories, songs, and rhymes promoting early literacy for babies and
Event Details
Visit Defiance Public Library every Tuesday from Jan. 27 to March 31 from 10:30-11:00AM for Read, Rhyme, and Romp, featuring stories, songs, and rhymes promoting early literacy for babies and toddlers (ages 0-2).
Read, Rhyme, and Romp will take place in the Nellie Gary Reading Room. No registration is needed.
Dates: Jan. 27; Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24; March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
(Storytime for ages 2-6 will immediately follow on the same days, from 11:00-11:30AM)
Time
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
Organizer
10feb11:00 a.m.11:30 a.m.Storytime
Event Details
Visit Defiance Public Library every Tuesday from Jan. 27 to March 31 from 11:00-11:30AM for Storytime, featuring stories, songs, and rhymes promoting early literacy for ages 2-6.Storytime will take place
Event Details
Visit Defiance Public Library every Tuesday from Jan. 27 to March 31 from 11:00-11:30AM for Storytime, featuring stories, songs, and rhymes promoting early literacy for ages 2-6.
Storytime will take place in the Nellie Gary Reading Room. No registration is needed.
Dates: Jan. 27; Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24; March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
(Read, Rhyme, and Romp for ages 0-2 will take place immediately before Storytime on the same days, from 10:30-11:00AM.)
Time
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
Organizer
16feb5:30 p.m.6:00 p.m.Family Storytime
Event Details
Visit Defiance Public Library every Monday from Jan. 26 through March 30 for Family Storytime from 5:30-6:00PM. Family Storytime is geared to ages 0-6 and combines Tuesday’s Read, Rhyme, &
Event Details
Visit Defiance Public Library every Monday from Jan. 26 through March 30 for Family Storytime from 5:30-6:00PM.
Family Storytime is geared to ages 0-6 and combines Tuesday’s Read, Rhyme, & Romp and Storytime sessions into a shorter program perfect for busy families!
We will meet in the Nellie Gary Reading Room. No registration is required.
Time
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
Organizer
17feb10:30 a.m.11:00 a.m.Read, Rhyme, & Romp
Event Details
Visit Defiance Public Library every Tuesday from Jan. 27 to March 31 from 10:30-11:00AM for Read, Rhyme, and Romp, featuring stories, songs, and rhymes promoting early literacy for babies and
Event Details
Visit Defiance Public Library every Tuesday from Jan. 27 to March 31 from 10:30-11:00AM for Read, Rhyme, and Romp, featuring stories, songs, and rhymes promoting early literacy for babies and toddlers (ages 0-2).
Read, Rhyme, and Romp will take place in the Nellie Gary Reading Room. No registration is needed.
Dates: Jan. 27; Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24; March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
(Storytime for ages 2-6 will immediately follow on the same days, from 11:00-11:30AM)
Time
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
Organizer
17feb11:00 a.m.11:30 a.m.Storytime
Event Details
Visit Defiance Public Library every Tuesday from Jan. 27 to March 31 from 11:00-11:30AM for Storytime, featuring stories, songs, and rhymes promoting early literacy for ages 2-6.Storytime will take place
Event Details
Visit Defiance Public Library every Tuesday from Jan. 27 to March 31 from 11:00-11:30AM for Storytime, featuring stories, songs, and rhymes promoting early literacy for ages 2-6.
Storytime will take place in the Nellie Gary Reading Room. No registration is needed.
Dates: Jan. 27; Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24; March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
(Read, Rhyme, and Romp for ages 0-2 will take place immediately before Storytime on the same days, from 10:30-11:00AM.)
Time
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
Organizer
23feb5:30 p.m.6:00 p.m.Family Storytime
Event Details
Visit Defiance Public Library every Monday from Jan. 26 through March 30 for Family Storytime from 5:30-6:00PM. Family Storytime is geared to ages 0-6 and combines Tuesday’s Read, Rhyme, &
Event Details
Visit Defiance Public Library every Monday from Jan. 26 through March 30 for Family Storytime from 5:30-6:00PM.
Family Storytime is geared to ages 0-6 and combines Tuesday’s Read, Rhyme, & Romp and Storytime sessions into a shorter program perfect for busy families!
We will meet in the Nellie Gary Reading Room. No registration is required.
Time
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.