Preschoolers Will Have A “Doggone” Good Time At Early Literacy Event

Leap into Literacy, a local partnership formed to help Forsyth County preschoolers develop early literacy skills for kindergarten launches into action next week for the second year of storytime and parent education programs.
The 2018 – 2019 series begins with a visit from Biscuit, the beloved book character created by Alyssa Satin Capucilli, in the cafeteria of Cumming Elementary School on Tuesday, October 9 at 5:30 p.m.
Families with preschoolers are invited to Leap into Literacy with Biscuit to enjoy dinner provided by a local donor, stories and songs in English and Spanish, and to practice simple early literacy activities. Children will have a chance to meet Biscuit, take a photo, and even receive a free book, while supplies last.
Admission to the event is free and advance registration is not required. While the program is designed for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, children of all ages are welcome to attend with a caregiver.

“Leap into Literacy is a partnership between Forsyth County Public Library, Forsyth County Schools, Georgia Highlands Medical Services, and Literacy Forsyth that started because we recognized that local families need help preparing their children for success in kindergarten,” explains Tracy Walker, Programming Manager at the library.

The program is designed to reach families with children from birth to age five with a series of four free early literacy events each academic year. The events include a storytime or puppet show program designed for preschoolers, a nutritious meal, and education activities that give parents and caregivers the ability to continue early literacy practices at home.
Other organizations agree on the importance of early literacy in preparing children for success in kindergarten.
The library just received a Community Impact Grant from the North Georgia Community Foundation in support of Leap into Literacy. Thanks in part to the grant, the Leap into Literacy with Biscuit event on October 9 will include demonstrations, hands-on activities, and take-home materials delivered in English and Spanish.

“We want to help families understand the importance of practicing the five basic skills of early literacy – reading, talking, singing, playing, and writing – with their children. Leap into Literacy events give parents tips on how easy it is to include those skills in their everyday routines at home,” explains Walker.

Leap into Literacy partners also want to help families with young children access other free and low-cost services in Forsyth County. Information about literacy, education and health services from the library, Forsyth County Schools, Georgia Highlands Medical Services, and Literacy Forsyth will also be available at Leap into Literacy with Biscuit.
For more information on upcoming early literacy events, including the next Leap into Literacy event in December, please visit www.forsythpl.org.