As parents we want to do what is best for our children to help give them the best start in life.  Most of us understand the importance of reading to our children and are accustomed to nightly bedtime stories and all of the good that comes from shared reading experiences.  We also talk with our children, we sing, and we even pop the latest “Wiggles” CD in while we tool around in the car to help entertain and engage them.  There is one more thing that we can do to help build young children’s literacy skills: play—play with them and encourage them to play in ways that are constructive and meaningful.  It is often said that play is the work of children and that statement is genuinely true.  It is during play that children explore their world, practice new words and create and retell stories of their own making.  Children tend to play with whatever is at hand. Tangible “props” help them to explore and expand their vocabulary and their world.  When we play with our children—even for just an hour (and let’s face it, after an hour of good, focused play we’re ready for a break) we are doing an enormous amount of good.  We can help to plant the seeds of language that are associated with certain situations or scenarios; words that children might not otherwise be able to play with and try out.  If we create a make-shift grocery store with our children, think about all words we can teach them from turnip to sushi.   

The Milwaukee Public Library understands the importance of play in the lives of young children.  One of our many literacy programs is called Saturday Morning Family Play Date.  During these sessions, families with children ages 5 and younger are invited to enter into a world of make-believe and imagination.  What better way to start your weekend than with some good, old fashioned play time?  This week our play session will be hosted at the Center Street Library.  The theme is Construction Site.  Children and their grown-ups will create plans for a building, put on a hard hat, grab a hammer and build away!  Children will have a great time because it is such pure fun, but adults will know that we are building essential vocabulary and narration skills as we spend what is truly quality time together.  Please join us for some serious play. 

Center Street Library

2727 W. Fond du Lac Avenue

Saturday, March 14 10:00-11:00 a.m.

Visit www.mpl.org for more information