Kids Blog

Build A Reader In 5 Easy Steps!

By Laura Raphael, Children's Services Coordinator, Tulsa City-County Library Academic research about early literacy development can be a little heavy on, well, academic terms. But it really all boils down to one idea: there are five basic activities you should do with babies and young children to set the foundation for future reading and school success: Talking - Singing - Reading - Writing - Playing

What's the Dewey Number for Star Wars?: Nonfiction Numbers You Should Know, Part 3

By Tori Hamilton, Children's Library Associate, Glenpool Library Want your children to read more nonfiction? It starts with teaching them how. When was the last time you read an entire cookbooks straight through? That's right, with nonfiction, readers generally dip in, find what they need, and save the rest for later. When children don't feel pressured to read the entire book from start to finish, nonfiction titles become much more appealing! Try some of these nonfiction numbers to find books that invite children to sample as much or as little as they desire.

What's the Dewey Number for Monster Trucks?: Nonfiction Numbers You Should Know, Part 2

By Tori Hamilton, Children's Library Associate, Glenpool Library You've finally convinced your school-aged child to read, they've found a series they enjoy, and they're ready to plow through the whole thing. Hooray! But then! Tragedy! "Teacher says I have to read a nonfiction book. But nonfiction is boring!" Oh, no! What will you do?

What's the Dewey Number for A Whole New World? Nonfiction Numbers You Should Know, Part 4

By Tori Hamilton, Children's Associate, Glenpool Library Books take you places! Everyone says so! Of course, we're not just talking about the places books take us through the power of imagination - the delights of Narnia or the wonderful wonders of Oz! Nonfiction books are the perfect place to foster any child's dreams of travel and adventure. Whether you want to visit Fiji, Finland, or France, here are the Dewey Decimal numbers that will get you there!

What's The Dewey Number For Sharks?: Nonfiction Numbers You Should Know! Part 1

 By Tori Hamilton, Children's Library Associate, Glenpool Library Do you have trouble convincing your child to check out books from the nonfiction section? Does he or she think nonfiction is boring? Au contraire! Some of the most interesting children's books are found in the nonfiction section, but only if you know how to find the good stuff!

READ THIS NOW: "Raising Kids Who Read"

By Laura Raphael, Children's Services Coordinator There are certain "no duh" behaviors and attitudes most parents want to see in their children. Putting dirty clothes in the hamper. Eating vegetables without complaint. Being kind to animals and the elderly. And reading.

Sing An American Song, Build A Reader!

By Laura Raphael, Children's Services Coordinator, Tulsa City-County Library I've got nothing against Katy Perry's music. I like a good Beyonce or Imagine Dragons song, and heaven knows, I have Kacey Musgraves's latest CD on extreme repeat in my car. But there's nothing better for children than hearing, learning, and singing traditional American folk songs. Why?

Bedtime Math, Part 2: Size Matters!

By Laura Raphael, Children's Services Coordinator, Tulsa City-County Library OK, so you're on board with the "Bedtime Math" concept (www.bedtimemath.org), but you want to find great "regular" picture books to read with your children that focus on things like speed, distance, measurement, and size.  Easy!

Add Up STEAM Skills With Bedtime Math!

By Laura Raphael, Children's Services Coordinator, Tulsa City-County Library If reading to your kids before they go to sleep at night is part of your family routine, congratulations! You are doing something wonderful for their little brains as well as establishing a deep family bond that your kids will fondly remember their entire lives.