Massillon Ready to Read

Research has shown that children need to know six literacy skills before they can learn to read. Children who enter kindergarten with these skills learn to read more easily and are more successful throughout school. The Massillon Public Library is now offering free workshops to teach parents and caregivers how to incorporate these skills into early reading experiences.

Our next workshop will be offered on Saturday, May 21, from 9 am to 12 pm at First Baptist Church, 20 Sixth St. SE, right off of Lincoln Way. The info for that workshop can be found here: http://www.massillonlibrary.org/ReadytoRead.

At our last Massillon Ready to Read workshop on April 26, we were excited to host a small-but-mighty group of interested adults, including two moms, a grandma and grandpa and a preschool teacher. I never cease to be amazed that people from all walks of life are thrilled to learn some new facts as well as tips and techniques to use with the little ones in their lives. You might think that a degreed teacher would already know many of the things we discussed at the workshop, but it was so inspiring to see her enthusiasm for learning and also for educating preschool children. Through Massillon Ready to Read, the library is trying to reach everyone in our community, whether you have small children at this time or not. Even teenagers, as potential babysitters, older siblings, and future parents themselves, can learn how to help preschoolers learn the six skills that lead to reading! Grandparents, daycare providers, Sunday School teachers, Godparents, friends and parents ALL have important roles in the lives of the children of our community and can impact young lives in a very positive way that leads to education, literacy, and future job skills.

To sign up to attend one of the Massillon Ready to Read workshops, call the Children's Department at 330-832-5037.