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Erin Smith
The “Webster’s Desk Dictionary of the English Language” offers 34 different definitions of the word “play.” It is hard to imagine that something as simple as play could be important enough to warrant 34 different meanings. However, play is one of the most important methods of learning for young children. Through play, children learn to make sense of the world around them. It encourages them to think critically and to develop problem-solving skills. Play allows for expression of thoughts and feelings and also is important in the development of language and literacy skills that will aid children as they learn to read.

When participating in play, especially imaginative play, children develop symbolic thinking. For example, a child may hold a banana up to his or her ear to pretend it is a telephone. The banana symbolizes a telephone.

Symbolic thinking is a precursor to reading. In order to read, a learner must understand that letters stand for a sound, and when those letters (symbols) are put together, they form words (a code). Then the words are put together to form meaning in the form of a sentence or a story. Children start by assigning meaning to symbols during dramatic play and can then transfer that skill when assigning meaning to the words made up of letters and sounds.

Playing is just one of the five practices for early literacy found in the Every Child Ready to Read @ your library initiative. The other practices are talking, reading, writing and singing. By doing all of these things at home with your child, you are helping lay the foundation that they will need when learning to read.

The following is a list of some of the things the Clermont County Public Library offers to help you incorporate the five practices into your daily activities.

Storytimes: All 10 of our Clermont County libraries offer storytimes. We have programs for pre-readers from birth to preschool. Check out our website at www.clermontlibrary.org to find a list of dates and times at the library closest to you.

Early Literacy Kits: We have a variety of kits available to check out at each library. Each kit is geared for ages 0-2 or 3-5. In each kit, you will find five books, a toy, a music CD, and a list of rhymes and fingerplays all about a specific theme.

AWE computers: Each location has one or more computers with educational games and software dedicated to young learners.

Play areas: Each library has a children’s area with room to browse age-appropriate books as well as play with a variety of toys.

Books and other materials: We have books, music CDs, DVDs and much more that can be checked out to continue your learning journey at home.

So take a few minutes away from your playing at home and check out what your local library has to offer. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Erin Smith is a Youth Services Specialist at the Milford-Miami Township Branch Library. Call the branch at 248-0700 or visit the library’s website, clermontlibrary.org.