Marathon County Public Library

January 19, 2018

The first three years of a child's life are vital to brain development. Children from birth onward learn through talking, singing, reading, and playing. During these interactions, children learn how the world works, acquire vocabulary, stimulate different parts of their brain, as well as many other benefits. While this may seem easy enough, some caregivers may simply not be talking enough or using a variety of words to build a child’s brain! This is where LENA Start can benefit many children in our community. LENA stands for Learning ENvironment Analysis. The LENA System measures the early language environment of children ages birth to 32 months. Using a “talk pedometer” that children wear in a...

October 20, 2016

It’s mid-October and the school year is well underway, with teachers handing out homework to reinforce the skills they teach their students in the classroom. Reading homework is just as important as homework in any other class and is a skill used time and time again throughout a person’s life. Most adults have likely been reading so long that it’s hard to remember what it was like to struggle through a sentence. Carolyn Wilhelm at the website Cult of Pedagogy has some great tips for parents when it comes to reading homework. Reading homework often requires a parent to listen to a child as he or she reads aloud. For older children, reading homework may consist of reading for a number of set minutes each day...

July 23, 2014

Music has many benefits to children of all ages; it gives children an outlet for expression, it breaks down language so children hear the smaller sounds in words (also known as phonological awareness), and music stimulates brain development in specific areas including language and reasoning. So, what can you do so your child gets the most out of music? Encourage your child to make his or her own music with household items. Play music in your home and encourage your child to sing and dance. And, even if you have a terrible singing voice, sing to your child! Your child will not care what your voice sounds like, just be enthusiastic and expressive. Sing nursery rhymes, make up songs that rhyme together, and even...

May 30, 2014

Developing self-esteem is important to children because confidence will help them in school and life in general. You start developing your child’s self-esteem at birth by being responsive--talking, singing, reading, and being playful. These are also practices that will set foundations for your child’s reading readiness! By being responsive, your child will start to understand who they are and what they do matters to "the world"-- a.k.a. you, the caregiver! By interacting and responding to your child, he or she responds, and you respond back.  As your interactions continue, the child’s self-esteem and trust in you as a caregiver grows and gains strength. For more information about childhood self-esteem and...

April 28, 2014

Your child needs positive human interaction to fully develop physically, mentally, and emotionally. Human interaction includes simple tasks such as talking, singing, playing, writing and reading; the five suggested practices to get your child ready to read! Through human interaction, your child’s brain will develop to its fullest potential and he or she will feel loved and be more willing to learn, listen and grow. How can you interact with your child? Below are a few ideas: Play with your child outside, or play make believe inside Talk with your child about his or her day, favorite color, or anything you can think of! Sing favorite songs, sing sentences in books, or make up silly songs that rhyme...

April 7, 2014

Are you trying to tackle the task of potty training your child? Check out the titles below to share with your child. The Family Resource Center is also available to answer questions and provide support while potty training.  No More Diapers for Ducky  On Your Potty, Little Rabbit Caillou: No More Diapers Calliou: Potty Time Dinosaur vs. the Potty Have You Seen My Potty? Ian's New Potty My Big Girl Potty The Prince and the Potty My Potty Book for Boys Pete's Potty Potty Duck Goes Potty A Potty for Me! Tinkle, Tinkle, Little Tot: The Toilet Training Songbook You Can Go to the Potty Your New Potty Once Upon a Potty: Boy Once Upon a Potty: Girl  

September 23, 2013

The library wants to help preschoolers get a jump on learning with its monthly Exploration Station classes. Preschool-age children and their caregivers can work together on interactive activities designed to build skills in reading, math, science and writing on the second Wednesday of each month, 10:30–11:30 a.m., at the library’s Wausau Headquarters. There is no cost to participate, but class sizes are limited. To register or for more information, call 715-261-7220. Math / Oct. 9 & Feb. 12 Science / Nov. 13 & Mar. 12 Reading / Dec. 11 & April 9 Writing / Jan. 8 www.mcpl.us/childrens   (from the MCPL Newsletter, Sept.-Nov., 2013)

June 26, 2013

Common Sense Media has just unveiled a new website that makes searching for the best educational games and apps easier. The site, graphite.org, is designed for teachers, but parents will enjoy its streamlined site as well. The site provides an easy search for educational games, apps and websites based on subject area and grade level. Common Sense Media, an independent, non-partisan nonprofit provides trustworthy reviews about media and technology for kids and families. Their website, commonsensemedia.org. rates media for children on quality and learning potential. Common Sense Media's reviews allow busy parents to gather lots of info about a game in a few seconds. A snapshot look at the game’s...