9 Tips for Reading to Your Child

(1) Find a cozy spot, with soft light and few distractions, for reading.

(2) Read with expression. Use your voice to make the story come alive.

(3) Preschoolers thrive on predictability. Reread favorite books again and again.

(4) Expose your child to a variety of reading materials. Include nonfiction books, wordless picture books, and magazines in your read-aloud repetoire.

(5) If you and your child don't enjoy a book, there is no need to finish it. Set it aside and try something else.

(6) Feel free to adapt a story to suit your needs. Shorten or summarize a passage if your child's attention flags.

(7) Allow time for your child to absorb the words and pictures and to ask questions about the story.

(8) Take turns "reading" with your child. Your child can tell you a story based on the pictures they see.

(9) Make regular visits to the library so your child can check out books.

Spring Break 2008: Bookmark Coloring Contest

Children Services at Bossier Parish Libraries presents a Bookmark Contest during the library's "Spring Into Technology" Week during Spring Break 2008, which is March 24-28.

Kids must design/draw their bookmark while in the library on Monday (24th), Tuesday (25th), or Wednesday (26th). The age groups are 3-5, 6-9, and 10-12.

On Thursday, the winners will be selected and contacted to have their picture taken. By Friday, the winners will be announced via the "Kids Korner" blog along with a posting of their bookmark (if available).

Each participating library branch will supply a treat to give to all children after they complete their bookmark. Winners will be randomly selected from each age category.

Each *WINNER* will have their pictures taken for the "Library Connections" newsletter, as well as, win a "grand prize" and have their bookmark created into a "real" bookmark that will be made available to all children who visit the Bossier Parish Libraries this summer (while supplies last).

For more details, contact BPL Childrens Services at 318-746-1693.