 Visiting the Library with PreschoolersLibraries have always been a great place to visit with preschoolers. If you haven't been to a library recently you might be surprised about some of the new offerings from many libraries! Each library has their own unique offerings, here are some activities and explorations you might find to get the most out of your visit to the library with your preschooler. 1.Check out Books  Of course the main event when visiting a library is checking out books to enjoy at home. Many libraries now have self checkout stations that preschoolers LOVE to use. Checking out books is also a great opportunity to help teach your preschoolers about dates. When you get home mark the date your books are due on the calendar. Count the number of days until the book is due and plan a date to return the books. After visiting the library is a great time to recall the events and practice sequencing events. This activity is included in my Library Preschool Activity Pack 2. Get a Library Card Find out the age requirement for getting a library card and plan to get one when your child is eligible! This is a fun way to teach young children responsibility. This is also an opportunity to encourage your preschooler to talk to the librarian in order to gain information. 3. Play a Game  Playing board games and assembling puzzles they may have available is a fun way to try out new games and puzzles. Some libraries also allow these items to be checked out. If your preschooler is interested in playing more games check out my Card Games for Early Learners post for more inspiration. 4. Get to Know the Library  Have a little fun with a library scavenger hunt (this one is included in my Library Preschool Activities Pack). Work with your preschooler to find all the items on the list, this not only supports literacy and social skills it also helps your preschooler become more familiar with all that the library has to offer. Extend this activity by talking to your librarian with your preschooler to see what else you might want to check out that is not on the list. 5. Build with Blocks  Many libraries now have space for children to build with Lego bricks or blocks in the children's section. They are often in a large clear space perfect for building tall and wide structures. Be sure to look around for building inspiration in the way of resources from the library or books from the architecture section. Continue the fun at home by creating your own Construction Space. 6. Get Book Suggestions Looking to learn more about dinosaurs? unicorns? or just love Curious George? Ask your librarian if they will put together a list of age appropriate books to explore with your preschooler. You can also find suggestions in my Book Lists for Kids posts. 7. Listen to a Story  See if your library hosts a story time for preschoolers. Many times the story time will include little songs and fun ways to help children get the wiggles out and then clear instruction on expectations for being respectful during story time. This is a great opportunity for preschoolers learning at home to begin to understand what is expected of them at group time. 8. Meet Some Friends Hanging out near your favorite books is a great way for preschoolers to meet friends. You might even find that you have the same library routine and meet there regularly. 9. Get Crafty  Find out if your library offers, or will consider offering, a craft or art time for preschoolers. Often times when these are offered they are related to a fun book. Some libraries also offer take and make crafts for adults so be sure to check those out to find a new hobby for yourself as well! 10. Check out Special Items Find out what kind of items your library offers for checkout beyond books. Commonly they will lend out games, puzzles, movies, and video games. Some will also lend out special equipment like sewing machines, computers, wifi hotspots, STEM kits and more! The library is full of resources for people of all ages. I hope this post has encouraged you to explore your local library to find out what new and fun things they offer and take advantage of your community resources. More Library Fun for Preschoolers
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