Literacy begins earlier than you might think. From the time they're born, children watch, listen and learn based on the myriad stimuli around them. Books are a great literacy tool, of course, but another means of learning is through songs and fingerplays. As children hear the rhyming words and follow the vocal patterns, language becomes more accessible, not to mention fun!

Don't know where to find these tools? Check out our page of fingerplays and songs and watch librarians demonstrate the motions. You can try these out in a waiting room, in line at the grocery store, during car trips or during your own storytimes at home. You'll be amazed how quickly your child learns, remembers and loves these little treasures.