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Thank you for purchasing
PLA's 2020 Early Literacy
Activities Calendar
Each month print out these bright and colorful activity-packed calendars
and share them with your library's families. Based on the Every Child
Ready to Read® practices of reading, writing, singing, talking, playing
(and now counting), each download contains twelve months of learning
activities, book lists, nursery rhymes, and more. On one side is a
calendar with a fun skills-building activity for each day and the other
contains supplementary content like nursery rhymes, early literacy tips,
song lyrics, or suggested reading material.
Use the space on the upper right of the calendar page to customize with
your library's logo and contact information.
Thank you for purchasing PLA's 2020
Early Literacy Activities Calendar. Visit
www.pla.org for more information
about the Public Library Association.
To get more information on Early
Childhood Literacy visit
www.everychildreadytoread.org
JANUARY 2020
Daily literacy-building
activities to share with your child.
SUNDAY MONDA Y TUESDAY WED NESDAY THURSDAY FRIDA Y SATUR DAY
1 WRITING 2 PLAYING 3 TALKING 4 SINGING
Draw the numbers 2020 and Play ‘Riddle Me’ Discuss things to do this Make up a song using your
color them with I’m orange and round and year. child’s name.
yourchild. Talk delicious. What am I?
about the Yes! An Orange!
WWW.PLA .ORG
new year.
5 COUNTING 6 READING 7 WRITING 8 PLAYING 9 TALKING 10 SINGING 11 COUNTING
Weigh your child and Visit the With your child write (and Play ‘Simon Says’ with Look out the window and Sing the Hokey-Pokey song. Measure your child’s height
write it here library and talk about) important dates your child. name all the things that (Words are on the back. ) and write it here
Save the calendar to check out a on a 2020 calendar. (Instructions you see. Save the calendar and
compare next year. book. are on measure again in June.
the back. )
12 READING 13 WRITING 14 PLAYING 15 TALKING 16 SINGING 17 COUNTING 18 READING
Ask ‘What do you think With your child write Play ‘Follow the Leader.’ Do Talk about things that made Sing about daily routines. Count all of your child’s Be a reading role model.
will happen next? Before “Birthday” on each day in things and ask your child you happy today. This is the way we make the bed, fingers and toes. Count Let your child catch
turning the pages of a book. 2020 that is the birthday of to do the same. (Touch make the bed, make the bed. all of your you reading a book,
a family member. Talk about your head, Turn around, Sit This is the way we brush our fingers a newspaper, or a
what you are doing. down.) teeth, etc. and toes. magazine.
19 WRITING 20 PLAYING 21 TALKING 22 SINGING 23 COUNTING 24 READING 25 WRITING
Write a list of things to do Go on a scavenger hunt. Talk about your favorite Sing a favorite Measure your feet day! Line Read a book about Arctic Draw the outline of your
today. Have your child check Look for things that begin foods. Ask your child song in a up all the family’s shoes and Animals. The library can child’s hand on a piece of
off each as it is completed. with B. Book, bowl, blanket. questions about their high voice boots. Whose are biggest? help you find one. paper. Write the date and
favorite foods. and then in The smallest? have your child “sign” the
a low voice. drawing. Save it.
26 PLAYING 27 TALKING 28 SINGING 29 COUNTING 30 READING 31 WRITING
Let’s dance! Play favorite Look at a collection of Take turns singing parts of Say the “Five Little Ask your child to help you Make an alphabet poster
songs that will inspire your books at the library. Ask the ABC song. Sing it fast Snowmen” rhyme. create a grocery list. with your child. Make the
child to do different things your child which they would and sing it slow. (Words are on the back. ) letters large and colorful.
like jump and spin around. like to read. Talk about their
choice.
You have been your child’s teacher from the day
he or she was born. Books to Read
You know more about your child than anyone else, and you are in the best position
to help your child get ready to read. Whether your child is four days old or four years
old, it is not too early or too late to help him or her develop pre-reading skills. You
this Month
can help your child learn language and other early literacy skills with simple and fun
activities like those in this calendar.
SIMON SAYS Check out these books at the library. If they are not available, ask
the librarian for a recommendation.
Designate someone as “Simon.” Simon gives commands either by saying “Simon
Says...touch your toes” or leaving off the “Simon says” part and only saying “touch
your toes.” Players should only do the action when Simon uses the words “Simon
Says” before issuing a command. FOR READERS AGES 0-3
Commands can include things like: Jump up and down; Pat your head; Clap your hands; Touch your toes;
Sit down. My First Chinese New Year
by Karen Katz
FIVE LITTLE SNOWMEN THE HOKEY POKEY Can You Eat?
Five little snowmen standing in a row, You put your right foot in by Joshua David Stein
(Hold up five fingers)
You take your right foot out.
Each had a hat and a big red bow.
(Put hands on head and then neck)
You put your right foot in FOR READERS AGES 3+
And you shake it all about.
Out came the sun and stayed all day, READING With Frida/
(Circle arms overhead) You do the hokey pokey Contando
And one little snowman melted away.
(Slump down)
And you turn yourself around. Con Frida
That’s what it’s all about. by Patty Rodriguez
REPEAT WITH 4, 3, 2 , 1, UNTIL NO SNOWMEN ARE LEFT. and Ariana Stein
REPEAT WITH “ LEFT FOOT,” “ RIGHT HAND,” “ LEFT HAND,” AND (Text is in English and Spanish)
“ WHOLE SELF”!
The Duckling Gets a
Cookie!?
by Mo Willems
FEBRUARY 2020
Daily literacy-building
activities to share with your child.
S U ND A Y MO NDAY TUESDAY WED N ESD AY TH URSDAY FRIDAY SAT U RD AY
1 WRITING
Use a red crayon and keep a
list of all the red
things you
see today.
W W W . P L A . O RG
2 PLAYING 3 TALKING 4 SINGING 5 COUNTING 6 READING 7 WRITING 8 PLAYING
Play the yes-no game. Ask your child questions Sing some Look at a calendar. Count Pick a book to read Let your child scribble and Go on a scavenger hunt.
Is this color blue? that have more than a yes favorite the number of days until together. Stop reading draw, encourage them to Look for things that start
Is it nighttime? or no answer. songs. Clap Valentine’s Day. Draw a before the end and ask your ‘sign’ their name on their with the “f” sound, like fruit,
Is our dog’s name Eddy? What is your favorite color? along to heart around February 14. child, “What do you think drawing. feet, face, fork.
Why do you like that color? the singing. will happen?”
9 TALKING 10 SINGING 11 COUNTING 12 READING 13 WRITING 14 PLAYING 15 TALKING
After reading together, talk Read and then sing Compare things. Set up a reading Letters are everywhere. Today Happy Valentine’s Day! Sing Talk about your family’s
about interesting words in “Twinkle, Twinkle,Little Who is taller? Who has smaller routine: read look for the letter that your “The More We Get Together.” plans for the day. What is
the book. Star.” (Words are on the shoes? Who has more food on after naps and child’s first name begins with (Words are on the back. ) your child excited to do or
back. ) their plate? before and show them when you find see?
bedtime. it. Ask your child to also look.
16 SINGING 17 COUNTING 18 READING 19 WRITING 20 PLAYING 21 TALKING 22 SINGING
Sing “The Itsy Bitsy Spider” Recite the rhyme “One, Two, Look at the covers of books Trace shapes and letters in Recite “Here is the Beehive.” Introduce a new word to Sing a favorite song and
together. (Words are on the Buckle My Shoe.” (Words are before reading them. Guess a shallow plan of flour, salt, (Words are describe how you feel. Say clap along to the beat.
back. ) on the back. ) what the books are about or baking soda. on the “I feel cheerful” rather than
based on their covers. back. ) “I’m happy.”
23 COUNTING 24 READING 25 WRITING 26 PLAYING 27 TALKING 28 SINGING 29 COUNTING
Draw a triangle and a Point out signs everywhere Make a list of family Use masking or duct tape to Talk about concepts like Sing and dance “The Hokey Place several objects on a
square. Count the today. Explain what they say member names. Talk about make lines or shapes on the “on” and “off” when you put Pokey.” table. Ask which is largest,
number and how they help. what each person likes floor. Walk along the tape. on and take off hats and which is heaviest, which is
of sides to do. jackets. smallest.
for each.
How we read to children is as important as how
often we read to them. Books to Read
No matter what your child’s age, reading together with your child—or shared
reading—can help your child get ready to read. Engage your child in back and
forth conversation about the books you read. Children learn more words when
this Month
they have the opportunity to respond to questions. If English is not your first
language, speak to your child in the language you know best. This allows you to
explain things to your child more fluently.
Check out these books at the library. If they are not available, ask
the librarian for a recommendation.
TWINKLE, TWINKLE, THE MORE WE GET TOGETHER
LITTLE STAR
The more we get together
Twinkle, twinkle, little star Together, together FOR READERS AGES 0-3
How I wonder what you are The more we get together
Up above the world so high The happier we’ll be All Kids are Good Kids
Like a diamond in the sky ‘Cause your friends are my friends Judy Carey Nevin
Twinkle, twinkle little star And my friends are your friends
How I wonder what you are The more we get together Moo Ba La La La
The happier we’ll be by Sandra Boynton
THE ITSY BITSY SPIDER
The itsy bitsy spider went up the ONE, TWO, BUCKLE MY SHOE FOR
water spout. One, two; buckle my shoe. READERS
(Move fingers up toward sky) Three, four; shut the door. AGES 3+
Down came the rain and washed the Five, six; pick up sticks.
spider out. Seven, eight; don’t be late Thank You Omu
Nine, ten; do it over again! by Oge Mora
(Bring fingers down and back)
Out came the sun and dried up all CRASH! BOOM! A
the rain
HERE IS THE BEEHIVE Math Tale
(Move arms up over head) by Robie H. Harris
Here is the beehive. (Make a fist)
And the itsy bitsy spider climbed up Where are the bees?
the spout again. Hiding inside where nobody sees.
(Move fingers up toward sky) Watch them come creeping out of the hive,
REPEAT WITH “GREAT BIG SPIDER” USING A
One, two, three, four, five (Release one finger at a time from the fist/hive)
GRUFF, DEEP VOICE. BUZZ-ZZZ (Wiggle fingers)
MARCH 2020
Daily literacy-building
activities to share with your child.
S U ND A Y MO NDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SAT U RD AY
1 WRITING 2 PLAYING 3 TALKING 4 SINGING 5 COUNTING 6 READING 7 WRITING
Make large letters on the Place a pillow on the floor. Talk about words that begin Play music with a fast beat, Count the number of steps Point out a picture in a book Create a writing box
floor with masking tape. Sit on it and pretend you with “m,” like March. a medium beat, and a slow as you go up or down. and expand on it. by assembling writing
Trace each letter by walking are on a boat in the ocean. beat. Move in time to the That’s a tree. Trees have materials (paper, crayons,
on it or pushing a toy car or What do you see? different beats. branches and leaves. Birds etc.). Keep it in a place your
train around the letter. sometimes build nests in them. child can easily reach.
8 PLAYING 9 TALKING 10 SINGING 11 COUNTING 12 READING 13 WRITING 14 PLAYING
Play “I Spy” with rhyming Talk about what you are Sing “Five Little Count blocks as your child Look at wordless picture Make shapes in a tray of Line up chairs and pretend
words. making for dinner. Name the Froggies” stacks them. books together. Ask your rice. Triangle, square, circle. your child is driving a city
I spy with my little eye different foods you will use. (Words are child to help tell the story. Practice tracing your child’s bus. Alternatively sit on the
something that rhymes with fly. on the name. floor in a row behind your
What is it? Yes, the sky! back. ) child.
15 TALKING 16 SINGING 17 COUNTING 18 READING 19 WRITING 20 PLAYING 21 TALKING
Choose a word of the day. Sing “Old MacDonald Had a Use masking tape to Help your child notice words Invite your child to write Pretend to be dinosaurs. Expand on comments your
Use the word several times Farm” after you read a book measure yourself and your as you go through your an email message or a Stomp around and roar. child makes.
during the course of the about farm animals. (Words child on a wall. Compare the everyday routine. Point out text message to a friend or Pretend to eat You are right, that is an airplane.
day. are on the back. ) sizes. Who is taller? Who is street signs, words on food relative. Ask him or her to tell leaves from Where do you think it is going?
shorter? cartons, signs on shops, etc. you what to say as you type. trees.
22 SINGING 23 COUNTING 24 READING 25 WRITING 26 PLAYING 27 TALKING 28 SINGING
Sing about something you Count how many blue cars As you read, point Help your child experiment Play a guessing game like... Point out the shapes of Clap along to the beat of a
are doing. you see today. out and name with writing using pencils, We are going to a place that different objects. Talk about song you both enjoy.
This is how to put on socks, put something on the crayons, markers, and chalk begins with P, where do you how they are alike and
on socks, put on socks. Now, page. Then on different types of paper think we are going? Yes, the different.
we’re done! expand on it. and cardboard. Park!
29 COUNTING 30 READING 31 WRITING
Create a to-do list for the Show your child a selection Make cookies in letter
day. Have your child check of books. Ask which they shapes.
off each activity as it is would prefer to read first.
completed.
WWW.PLA .ORG
Playing to learn new words.
Play is one of the best ways for children to learn language and literacy skills. Play
Books to Read
helps children feel a sense of accomplishment and self-confidence. This motivates
them to try new experiences and not to give up when something seems difficult.
Also, it’s fun!
this Month
FIVE LITTLE FROGGIES OLD MACDONALD HAD A FARM
Five little froggies sat on a shore. Old MacDonald had a farm Check out these books at the library. If they are not available, ask
(Crouch like a frog) E-I-E-I-O the librarian for a recommendation.
One went for a swim, then there were four. And on that farm he had a [animal name]
(Pretend to leap and swim off)
E-I-E-I-O
Four little froggies
(Crouch like a frog)
With a [animal noise twice] here and a FOR READERS AGES 0-3
[animal noise twice] there
Looked out to sea. From Head to Toe Board Book
(Put your hand at brow and look out to sea) Here a [animal noise], there a [animal noise], by Eric Carle
everywhere a [animal noise twice]
One went swimming, and then there were three.
(Pretend to leap and swim off) Old MacDonald had a farm Counting Kisses
E-I-E-I-O by Karyn Katz
Three little froggies said, “What can we do?”
One jumped in the water, then there were two.
(Pretend to leap and swim off) FOR READERS AGES 3+
Two little froggies sat in the sun.
(Crouch like a frog) How Do You
One swam off, and then there was one. Wokka-Wokka?
(Pretend to leap and swim off) By Elizabeth Bluemle
One little froggie said “This is no fun!”
Toad on the Road:
He dived in the water, and then there were none!
A Cautionary Tale
by Steven Shaskan
APRIL 2020
Daily literacy-building
activities to share with your child.
SUNDAY MONDA Y TUESDAY WED NESDAY THURSDAY FRIDA Y SATUR DAY
1 WRITING 2 PLAYING 3 TALKING 4 SINGING
Write letters in the steam Play a questioning game. Say silly rhymes to make Sing a song in a high voice;
that forms on windows, Ask your child where are your child laugh. sing it in a low voice. Sing it
the dust on your car, or the your toes, where is your slow; sing it fast.
sand at the park. nose, etc.
5 COUNTING 6 READING 7 WRITING 8 PLAYING 9 TALKING 10 SINGING 11 COUNTING
Find two items that are Come to the library Write letters in shaving Have an inside picnic with a Say a favorite rhyme, Has it been raining a lot? Cut a piece of toast in half.
similar but different sizes. and check out cream in the teddy bear leave off the last word, and Sing, “Rain, Rain, Go Away.” Say, “Now we have two
Talk about big and little. books about bathtub or and other have your child finish the (Words are on the back. ) pieces the same size.”
spring. shower. toys. sentence.
12 READING 13 WRITING 14 PLAYING 15 TALKING 16 SINGING 17 COUNTING 18 READING
Teach letter sounds by Cut a letter of the alphabet out Play the letter day game. Use new describing words Sing “Row, Row, Count to 5 as you spin in a Get caught reading a book.
playing “I Spy.” of cardboard and place it under Find things all day that start today. Say “enormous” Row Your circle five times. Count 5 Show your child reading is
I spy with my little eye a piece of paper. Have your child with the first letter of your instead of “big.” Boat” hops. Count 5 small steps important to you too.
something that begins with B. color over the letter andwatch children’s first name. “Wonderful” instead during and 5 big steps.
Yes, a banana! the letter beneath appear. of “great.“ bath time.
19 WRITING 20 PLAYING 21 TALKING 22 SINGING 23 COUNTING 24 READING 25 WRITING
Make a dot painting with Pretend to talk on the phone This is National Library Make music with everyday Count the pages in your Go to the library and check Keep paper and writing
cotton swabs to help while holding a block to Week. Talk about fun things items like pots, pans, and child’s favorite out books for you and for materials where your child
develop fine motor skills. your ear. to do at the library. spoons. board your child. will have easy access to
book. them.
26 PLAYING 27 TALKING 28 SINGING 29 COUNTING 30 READING
Make a tent with sheets Say a favorite rhyme but Sing “I Hear Thunder.” Sort blocks by color. Count Go to the library and check
and furniture. Pretend you leave off the last word. (Words are on the back. ) how many there are of each out a picture book about
are camping. What do you Have your child finish the color. spring.
hear? What do you see? sentence.
WWW.PLA .ORG
Talking is one of the best ways for children to
learn new words. Books to Read
Speak to your child often during the day and try to use many different words to
express your ideas. Children love to imitate, and they will try to imitate your speech.
Chances to chat include while you are getting dressed in the morning, eating
this Month
breakfast, riding in the car, walking from the car to a store, playing together, doing
chores, taking a bath, going to bed, and while saying goodnight. Ask lots of open-
ended questions, those that require more than a yes or no answer.
Check out these books at the library. If they are not available, ask
the librarian for a recommendation.
RAIN, RAIN, GO AWAY FOR READERS AGES 0-3
Rain, Rain,
¡Lluvia!/ Rain!
Go away; by Linda Ashman
(Text is in English and Spanish)
Come again,
Another day; The Pout-Pout Fish
Little (child’s name) wants to play by Deborah Diesen
FOR
I HEAR THUNDER READERS
Sing to the tune “Frère Jacques” AGES 3+
I hear thunder, I hear thunder.
(Pound hands gently on floor or lap) Hooray for Birds!
by Lucy Cousins
Listen, don’t you? Listen, don’t you?
(Cup hand to ear)
Press Here
Pitter, patter raindrops; pitter, patter raindrops; by Hervé Tullet
(Wiggle fingers in falling motion in front of face)
I’m wet through,
(Shake body)
So are you!
(Tickle your child)MAY 2020
Daily literacy-building
activities to share with your child.
S U ND A Y MO NDAY TUESDAY WED N ESD AY TH URSDAY FRIDAY SAT U RD AY
1 WRITING 2 PLAYING
Letters are everywhere. Go on an outside scavenger
Draw your child’s name and hunt. Bring a list and check
talk about each one, naming off the things you see.
other words that also begin
with the letters.
W W W . P L A . O RG
3 TALKING 4 SINGING 5 COUNTING 6 READING 7 WRITING 8 PLAYING 9 TALKING
Say as many words as you Use a homemade shaker Go for a walk. Take two Read a book about Make a Mother’s Day card Play “Riddle Me.” Talk about feelings you
can that rhyme with “May.” and shake it to the beat of big steps. Take three large mothers. The and have your child I’m big, yellow, felt today. What made you
songs. steps. Count how many library can help sign his or and hot. Yes! laugh?
steps from your door to the you find one. her name. I am the sun!
sidewalk.
10 SINGING 11 COUNTING 12 READING 13 WRITING 14 PLAYING 15 TALKING 16 SINGING
Sing “The Farmer Plants the Recite the Nursery Rhyme Draw out a story on 4-5 Playing with play dough Play a rhyming game, where Look for signs of spring. Go Sing a favorite
Seeds.” (Words are on the “Five Little Ducks.” small pieces of paper. Help strengthens muscles needed you choose a word and for a walk and talk about song. Sing
back. ) (Words your child put the papers for writing. Roll dough into then come up with as many what you see. Point out new it fast,
are on the in proper sequence to tell balls, press fingers into the rhyming words as you can. grass, birds, first flowers, sing it slow.
back. ) the story. dough, and make shapes. Dog, frog, hog, log. leaf buds.
17 COUNTING 18 READING 19 WRITING 20 PLAYING 21 TALKING 22 SINGING 23 COUNTING
Ask questions about what Look into your library’s Draw a large alphabet. Have Go on an outside scavenger Today is Thursday. Talk Play children’s songs. Sing Draw squares, circles, and
is heavier. Does an orange summer reading program. your child practice tracing hunt. Look for shapes. How about the days of the week. and dance together. triangles on the sidewalk
or a grape weigh more? Is or coloring the letters while many different shapes can What does your family do with chalk. Count how many
Mom’s jacket or your jacket you say the letters out loud. you find? on each day? there are of each shape.
heavier?
24 READING 25 WRITING 26 PLAYING 27 TALKING 28 SINGING 29 COUNTING 30 READING
Read books about Spring. Help your child begin to Have a music parade with When you are reading a Sing the Alphabet song. Take Count the number of eggs Take pictures your child has
recognize words for a few different instruments. new book stop before you turns singing parts of it. in a carton. Explain that 12 drawn, staple or bind them
31 WRITING common objects by putting Pretend to play the tuba, the get to the end and ask your You: ABCDEFG Child: HIJKLMNOP items together is also called together, and ask your child
labels on them (shoe, chair, drums, etc. child what he or she thinks You: QRS Child: TUV You: WX a dozen. to tell you a story about the
Practice drawing shapes
door, etc.) will happen next. Child: Y and Z + ending. pictures.
and letters in a tray of rice.Good readers have a large vocabulary.
Knowing lots of words helps children better understand what they
Books to Read
read. You can help your children learn lots of words by:
• Having plenty of conversations. Take turns talking. It is important
for you to ask questions and listen to what your children say in
this Month
response.
• Read together! A lot!
• Make connections. Connect what you are reading in books to their
Check out these books at the library. If they are not available, ask
lives. “Yes, Grandma has a black cat, too.” the librarian for a recommendation.
• Repetition. Children often love to read the same book over and over.
This is a good thing as repeated readings help build vocabulary.
FOR READERS AGES 0-3
FIVE LITTLE DUCKS THE FARMER Who? A Celebration of Babies
PLANTS THE SEEDS by Robie Harris
Five little ducks Three little ducks One little duck Sing to the tune
Went out one day Went out one day Went out one day “The Farmer in the Dell”
Over the hills and Over the hills and Over the hills and Lola Plants a Garden
The Farmer plants the seeds, by Anna McQuinn
far away far away far away
Mother duck said Mother duck said Mother duck said The Farmer plants the seeds,
(Pretend to plant seeds)
“Quack, quack, “Quack, quack, “Quack, quack,
quack, quack” quack, quack.” quack, quack.” Hi, ho, the dairy-o, FOR READERS AGES 3+
But only four little But only two little But none of the five The farmer plants the seeds. Planting a Rainbow
ducks came back. ducks came back. little ducks came
The sun comes out to shine… by Lois Ehlert
back. (Make large circle with arms)
Four little ducks Two little ducks
The rain begins to fall… Alma and How She Got
Went out one day Went out one day Sad mother duck
Over the hills and Over the hills and Went out one day
(Hands flutter up and down) Her Name
The seeds begin to grow… by Juana Martinez-Neal
far away far away Over the hills and
(Stand up tall)
Mother duck said Mother duck said far away
“Quack, quack, “Quack, quack, The sad mother The farmer picks the crops…
quack, quack.” quack, quack.” duck said (Pretend to pick crops)
But only three little But only one little “Quack, quack, We all sit down to eat…
ducks came back. duck came back. quack, quack.” (Pretend to eat)
And all of the five
little ducks came
back.JUNE 2020
Daily literacy-building
activities to share with your child.
S U ND A Y MO NDAY TUESDAY WED N ESD AY TH URSDAY FRIDAY SAT U RD AY
1 WRITING 2 PLAYING 3 TALKING 4 SINGING 5 COUNTING 6 READING
Draw outside with sidewalk Make bubbles outside. Talk Pick out a family snapshot Sing “Head, Shoulders, Measure your child’s height Make a paper bag puppet.
chalk. Draw letters about the bubbles. What or a random picture. Ask Knees, and Toes.” (Words and write it here Have the puppet read a
and shapes. shape are they? Which way your child to tell you about are on the back. ) Compare to January’s book.
will they go? Can you catch the picture. measurement.
one?
7 WRITING 8 PLAYING 9 TALKING 10 SINGING 11 COUNTING 12 READING 13 WRITING
Draw the outline of your Play the letter day game. Talk about summer. What Sing a favorite song. Then Weigh your child and Read a book about In the morning write today’s
child’s hand. Write the date Look for words that begin are your favorite things to sing it again but make up write it here flowers and to-do list. Check things off
and have your child “sign” with “S” like summer. do in the summer? How new words. How does it compare to plants. as you do them.
the drawing. are summer and winter January?
different?
14 PLAYING 15 TALKING 16 SINGING 17 COUNTING 18 READING 19 WRITING 20 PLAYING
Play Leap Frog with stuffed Talk about colors. What Sing BINGO. Go for a walk. Pick Go to the library and pick Make a word jar. Each day Sit on cushions on the floor
animals. Explain why the is your favorite color and (Words something and count how out a book about summer. write a new word on a slip and pretend to be in a boat.
game is called Leap Frog. why? Find your favorite are on many you see. (Cars, trees, of paper and add it to the Sing “Row, Row, Your Boat.”
color as many times as you the back. ) flowers, clouds, birds, jar. (Use any container— (Words are on the back. )
can today. squirrels, etc.). doesn’t have to be a jar).
21 TALKING 22 SINGING 23 COUNTING 24 READING 25 WRITING 26 PLAYING 27 TALKING
Ask W questions after Make up a song using Count the number of kisses Look at a magazine Help your child draw a Play “Simon Says” outside. Talk about food. What do
reading a book. (Who, What, words that rhyme with dog. you give your child today. together. Explain some of simple story with a picture you like to eat?
Where, When, Why). the pictures or illustrations. for beginning, middle, and
Who is your favorite animal on end.
this page? What will happen next?
28 SINGING 29 COUNTING 30 READING
Recite a classic nursery Sort items from your While reading with your
rhyme like The Cow Jumped grocery bag. These things child run your finger under
Over the Moon. (Words are go in the pantry. These go in each word. This will help
on the back. ) the refrigerator? How many them understand left to
go in the freezer? right/top to bottom reading.
WWW.PLA .ORGOne way children learn vocabulary is from
listening to stories. Books to Read
They listen to understand what is being said, which helps them learn new words.
Stories aren’t just found in books. You can tell stories about your day, your memories
from growing up, or something about your child’s life. You can also use wordless
this Month
picture books and make up a story together. With wordless books, you can develop
imagination along with language and vocabulary skills. Make it fun! Having fun with
words helps your child become more aware of words and eager to learn more.
Check out these books at the library. If they are not available, ask
the librarian for a recommendation.
B-I-N-G-O HEY DIDDLE DIDDLE
There was a farmer who had a Hey Diddle Diddle
dog and Bingo was his name-oh. The Cat and the Fiddle FOR READERS AGES 0-3
B-I-N-G-O, The Cow Jumped Over the Moon
B-I-N-G-O
Higher, Higher
The Little Dog Laughed by Leslie Patricelli
B-I-N-G-O To See Such Sport
and Bingo was his name-oh. At the Beach/Vamos a la Playa
And the Dish Ran Away with the Spoon
by Mandy Stanley
(Text is in English and Spanish)
There was a farmer who had a
dog and Bingo was his name-oh.
(clap)-I-N-G-O, ROW YOUR BOAT FOR READERS AGES 3+
(clap)-I-N-G-O Row, Row, Row, Your Boat Frida Kahlo and Her
(clap)-I-N-G-O Gently Down the Stream Animalitos
and Bingo was his name-oh. Merrily, Merrily, Merrily, Merrily by Monica Brown
Life is But a Dream
There was a farmer who had a Dreamers
dog and Bingo was his name-oh. by Yuyi Morales
(clap)-(clap)-N-G-O
(clap)-(clap) N-G-O
(clap)-(clap) N-G-0
and Bingo was his name-oh.
CONTINUE UNTIL ALL THE LETTERS IN
BINGO’ S NAME ARE REPLACED WITH CLAPS.JULY 2020
Daily literacy-building
activities to share with your child.
S U ND A Y MO NDAY TUESDAY WED N ESD AY TH URSDAY FRIDAY SAT U RD AY
1 WRITING 2 PLAYING 3 TALKING 4 SINGING
Plan a picnic. Write a list Go on a picnic. Play fun Talk about today’s weather. Sing a song with movement,
of things you will need to outdoor games. What should you wear? like “The Wheels on the
bring. Bus.” (Words are on the
back. )
WWW.PLA .ORG
5 COUNTING 6 READING 7 WRITING 8 PLAYING 9 TALKING 10 SINGING 11 COUNTING
Have your child help cook Look at the cover of a book Write a message and tuck Play “Follow the Leader.” Do Use a fruit or vegetable your Play music with a fast Compare amounts.
with a recipe. before reading it. Point out it in your child’s shoe. Read three things (reach up high, child hasn’t seen before. tempo as You have more pieces of apple
We will need six eggs. One cup the book’s title. it together when your child touch your toes, take a big Talk about how it looks, you pick up than I do.
of flour, etc. The name of this book is… finds it. step) and ask your child to feels, smells, tastes. and put
do the same things. away toys.
12 READING 13 WRITING 14 PLAYING 15 TALKING 16 SINGING 17 COUNTING 18 READING
Vary your voice as you read. Write a message outside Play the letter day game. Take a walk outside. Talk Play “Freeze.” Play music Use a piece of string to After reading a
Use different expressions to with chalk. Look for things that begin about all you see. Point out and when you turn it off measure things. What is book talk
help your child learn about with the first letter of your and name things. everyone has to stop in longer? What is shorter? about your
feelings. child’s name. place until the music starts favorite part.
again.
19 WRITING 20 PLAYING 21 TALKING 22 SINGING 23 COUNTING 24 READING 25 WRITING
Help your child draw Play “I Spy” outside. At bedtime talk about where Make a shaker by putting Count how many birds you Print is everywhere. Point Ask your child to dictate a
a picture of a summer I spy something that has three animals sleep at night. dried pasta or beans in an see today. out words wherever you go letter to a special person.
activity. Have your child wheels and is pink. Yes! Your empty container. Shake it today. Show how to address an
‘sign’ the picture. bike. while you march and sing. envelope and add a stamp.
Then mail the letter together.
26 PLAYING 27 TALKING 28 SINGING 29 COUNTING 30 READING 31 WRITING
Play ‘Riddle Me.’ Talk about thingsyou do in Play ‘Echo Me.” Clap, stomp, Create a grocery list with Ask your child to pick out Help your child experiment
I’m smaller than your hand, I’m the morning, things you do or beat a drum, and have your child. Look at what you their favorite book to read with writing using crayons,
purple, and I’m in the kitchen. in the afternoon, and things your child repeat the noise. have and what you need to today. Ask them why it is pencils, markers, and chalk
What am I? Yes! A grape. you do in the night. purchase. their favorite. on a variety of papers or
cardboard.You are your child’s first teacher, and your home
is where your child begins to learn. Books to Read
Make your home a great place to learn. It doesn’t take money to create special
places where you and your child can talk, sing, read, write, play, and count. Here are
a few ideas.
this Month
PLACES TO READ
Create a special space for your children to look at books. Have a comfortable chair or
pillows and a small shelf or basket for favorite books. Make sure there’s room for you and
your child to sit together and that your child can reach books without needing help. Check out these books at the library. If they are not available, ask
the librarian for a recommendation.
PLACES TO WRITE
Make it easy for your child to write throughout the day. Set up a space where your child
can go on his or her own and use writing materials. Provide pencils, crayons, or markers of
different sizes so your child can write with what is most comfortable. Use unlined paper.
FOR READERS AGES 0-3
PLACES TO PLAY
Barnyard Dance!
Play requires a little space, simple props, and some imagination and encouragement. You by Sandra Boynton
don’t need special toys or expensive electronics. Provide props like large boxes, old clothes
or costumes for dress up, empty food containers, and empty paper towel rolls. Play comes
The Very Busy Spider
by Eric Carle
naturally to young children and is one of the primary ways they learn. Provide plenty of
opportunities for your child to play.
FOR READERS AGES 3+
Island Born
WHEELS ON THE BUS by Junot Díaz
The wheels on the bus go round and round,
Round and round, round and round. Walter’s Wonderful
The wheels on the bus go round and round, Web: A First Book
All around the town. About Shapes
The wipers on the bus go swish, swish, swish... by Tim Hopgood
The driver on the bus says “move on back”...
The people on the bus go up and down...
The babies on the bus go “wah, wah, wah”...
The parents on the bus go “shh, shh, shh”...
ADAPTATION: THE HORSE ON THE FARM GOES “ NEIGH, NEIGH,
NEIGH”; COW, LAMB, PIG, ETC.AUGUST 2020
Daily literacy-building
activities to share with your child.
S U ND A Y MO NDAY TUESDAY WED N ESD AY TH URSDAY FRIDAY SAT U RD AY
1 WRITING
Sit outside and write a list
of seven things
you see.
W W W . P L A . O RG
2 PLAYING 3 TALKING 4 SINGING 5 COUNTING 6 READING 7 WRITING 8 PLAYING
Paint on the sidewalk with Make this “same and Make music with things Sort toys by size. Count Read a nonfiction book Label the things in your Play with blocks. What can
water. Watch different” day. you have in the house, like the number of toys in each about birds. Talk about child’s room. Bed, dresser, you make? Form the blocks
it evaporate. How are our socks the same and pots, pans, spoons, boxes, group. what you’ve learned. Say table, book, closet. Point to into letter shapes.
different? They go on our feet and cups. the rhyme “If I Were a Bird.” the words and discuss as
and they are different colors. (Words are on the back. ) you put things away.
9 TALKING 10 SINGING 11 COUNTING 12 READING 13 WRITING 14 PLAYING 15 TALKING
Take an alphabet walk Sing a bedtime story. Put five stuffed animals in Have a family story Draw a picture for a Play “What Fits?” It’s Library Card Month. Talk
outside. Talk about things Encourage your child to order from smallest time. Each person grandparent or other very Will your hat fit under your bed? about what you can do at
that begin with different sing with you. to largest. picks a book to important person. Will the refrigerator fit in your the library.
letter sounds. read aloud. pocket?
16 SINGING 17 COUNTING 18 READING 19 WRITING 20 PLAYING 21 TALKING 22 SINGING
Pick a new kind of music Set the table for a meal. Go to the library for a new Write the names of each Play the yes-no game Before going to bed talk Sing a ‘good morning’
you haven’t listened to How many plates will you book you haven’t read family member with chalk about time. Is it time for about things you did this song to
before. Listen together. need? How many utensils? before. The librarian can on the sidewalk. Stand on breakfast? Is it time to morning, this afternoon, and greet your
Napkins? help you find one. your name. read? Is it time for kisses? tonight. child in the
morning.
23 COUNTING 24 READING 25 WRITING 26 PLAYING 27 TALKING 28 SINGING 29 COUNTING
Count the trees you see today. Point out signs everywhere. Use chalk to draw shapes Pretend you are in a boat Offer choices today. Do you Sing “Head, Shoulders, Trace around your hand and
on the sidewalk. Draw a on the water. Ask your child want this book or that one? Knees, and Toes.” (Words around your child’s hand.
30 READING 31 WRITING triangle, a square, a circle, what kind of fish they see. Do you want water or milk? are on the back. ) Talk about the difference
and a rectangle. Talk about Would you like a banana or in size.
Go to the library and check Use play dough to shape
how they are different. strawberries?
out a new book. your child’s first name.Children’s reading success in kindergarten and
beyond begins with positive language and Books to Read
literacy experiences from the time they are
infants. this Month
• Young children have shorter attention spans. You can do activities for short bits of
time throughout the day or whenever you have the chance.
• You can help your children learn in ways and at times that are best for them.
Check out these books at the library. If they are not available, ask
• Parents are tremendous role models—if your children see that you think reading is the librarian for a recommendation.
important and enjoy it, they will follow your lead.
• Children learn best by doing—and they love doing things with YOU!
FOR READERS AGES 0-3
Birds
by Jill McDonald
HEAD, SHOULDERS, KNEES AND TOES IF I WERE A BIRD
Touch each body part as you sing
If I were a bird, I’d sing a song Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What
Head, shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes
And fly about the whole day long. Do You See?
Head, shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes by Eric Carle
And when the night comes, go to rest,
And eyes and ears and mouth and nose,
Up in my cozy little nest.
Head, shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes FOR
READERS
Neck, elbows, hips and feet, hips and feet
AGES 3+
Neck, elbows, hips and feet, hips and feet
Birds
And thighs and rears and lips and teeth,
by Kevin Henkes
Neck, elbows, lips and teeth, lips and teeth.
Saturday
by Oge MoraSEPTEMBER 2020
Daily literacy-building
activities to share with your child.
S U ND A Y MO NDAY TUESDAY WED N ESD AY TH URSDAY FRIDAY SAT U RD AY
1 WRITING 2 PLAYING 3 TALKING 4 SINGING 5 COUNTING
Have fun scribbling today! Blow bubbles—this As you tell a story, use new Clap your hands Lace Cheerios onto a piece
Use different kinds of paper strengthens muscles words and explain what to the beat of yarn and then count
and different pens, markers, needed for speech. they mean. of a favorite them.
crayons, etc. song.
6 READING 7 WRITING 8 PLAYING 9 TALKING 10 SINGING 11 COUNTING 12 READING
Read a book or find information Write your to-do list Play alphabet search today. Talk about something your How many ways can you Count how many red cars Have a friends book
about insects that are active together. Have your child Take turns picking a letter child hasn’t experienced move to the music? Play you see today. Tally up at club. Each friend
in late summer, like crickets or check off each as it is and searching and explain what happens. a favorite song and clap, the end of the day. brings a book
cicadas. Talk about how you completed. for it. march, spin, and tap. for a story time.
can hear them at night.
13 WRITING 14 PLAYING 15 TALKING 16 SINGING 17 COUNTING 18 READING 19 WRITING
Pop bubble wrap or play Tape a sheet of contact Make silly sounds today. Sing “Now it’s bath time, Take a walk and count how Visit the library and help Use cooked pieces of
with squirt toys to develop paper to the wall, sticky side Encourage your child to now it’s bath time, yes, it many birds or your child select books to spaghetti to make
muscles needed for writing. out. See which toys stick imitate you. is” to the tune of “Frère squirrels check out. shapes and
and which toys do not. Jacques.” you see. letters.
20 PLAYING 21 TALKING 22 SINGING 23 COUNTING 24 READING 25 WRITING 26 PLAYING
Go on a scavenger hunt Use simple props to tell a Recite a nursery rhyme like Use blocks to measure how Pick a child’s favorite Work together to make a Sing “Scarecrow,
today. Look for things that story. Use silly voices for “Humpty Dumpty.” (Words long something is. How book. When you come to list of your child’s favorite Scarecrow” to practice
start with the ‘p’ sound, like different characters. are on the back. ) many blocks long is your a favorite part encourage words. following directions. (Words
a plate, a pan, and a pen. arm, your foot, etc.? your child to “read” along are on the back. )
with you.
27 TALKING 28 SINGING 29 COUNTING 30 READING
Use family photos to tell Recite a nursery rhyme Time yourself. How long Go to the library and check
different stories. Encourage like “Hickory Dickory Dock.” does it take to walk one out a book on a topic your
your child to tell a story. (Words are on the back. ) block? Show your child the child is interested in. The
time at the beginning and at librarian can help you find
the end. one.
WWW.PLA .ORGPlaying to Learn New Words
Play and have fun with words:
Books to Read
• Read a book with lots of made-up words like “How Do You Wokka-Wokka?“
by Elizabeth Bluemle. Many books by Dr. Suess also are excellent for this this Month
purpose. Try making up more words to go with the story.
• Silly poems are fun and can teach new
vocabulary.
Check out these books at the library. If they are not available, ask
• Kids love riddles and jokes, which often use the librarian for a recommendation.
a “play on words.” Laugh along as you talk
about the answer to the riddle or joke.
• Having fun with words helps your child FOR READERS AGES 0-3
become more conscious of words and happy
Together
to keep learning. by Emma Dodd
Baby Goes to Market
by Atinuke
HUMPTY DUMPTY SCARECROW, SCARECROW
Sing to the tune of “Twinkle, Twinkle,
Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall. Little Star” FOR
Humpty Dumpty had a great fall. Scarecrow, scarecrow, turn around, READERS
All the king’s horses and all the King’s men Scarecrow, scarecrow, touch the ground. AGES 3+
Could not put Humpty together again. Stand up tall and blink your eyes.
Pinky Got Out
Raise your hands up to the sky. by Michael Portis
HICKORY DICKORY DOCK Scarecrow, scarecrow, touch your toes.
Whose Nose Do
Scarecrow, scarecrow, tap your nose.
Hickory Dickory Dock, You Suppose
The mouse ran up the clock. Swing your arms so very slow, by Richard Turner
The clock struck one Now real fast to scare the crows.
And down he run. Raise your head, jump up and down.
Hickory Dickory Dock Now sit down without a sound.
Tick Tock!OCTOBER 2020
Daily literacy-building
activities to share with your child.
S U ND A Y MO NDAY TUESDAY WED N ESD AY TH URSDAY FRIDAY SAT U RD AY
1 WRITING 2 PLAYING 3 TALKING
Start a list of things to do Cut out pictures of food Talk about the weather
this week. Talk about it and from magazines. Let your today and what you should
decide who will do each. child choose which to use wear outside.
and glue those onto a paper
plate.
W W W . P L A . O RG
4 SINGING 5 COUNTING 6 READING 7 WRITING 8 PLAYING 9 TALKING 10 SINGING
Sing “good morning to you” Count out a healthy snack. Go the library and take out Writea grocery list together. Take a walk outside. Collect Expand on what your child Take turns
to the tune of Happy Birthday. One for you and one for me and a new book. Talk about new Go around checking what colorful leaves. Try to find says. singing
Good morning to you, good morning one for Daddy. Two for you, two words you come across you need and add it to the as many different types as Yes, we saw a dog at the park. bits of the
to you. Good morning to (child’s for me, and two for Daddy. while reading the new book. list. possible. It was large and brown and alphabet
name), good morning to you! wagging its tail. song.
11 COUNTING 12 READING 13 WRITING 14 PLAYING 15 TALKING 16 SINGING 17 COUNTING
Trace the hand of each Try to spot letters on license Write your child’s name in Play “I Spy” with rhyming Read a book together. Ask Sing “Where is Thumbkin?” Pick a point in your house
person in your family. plates today. How many can big letters. Talk about each words. ‘what’ questions. (Words are on the back. ) or on your block. Count the
Whose hand is bigger? you see? letter. I spy with my little eye What is happening here? What steps to get there.
Whose is smaller? something that rhymes with fall. do you think will happen next?
What is it? Yes! A ball!
18 READING 19 WRITING 20 PLAYING 21 TALKING 22 SINGING 23 COUNTING 24 READING
Read a book about bears or Use crayons or markers to Take turns pretending to be Talk about foods that are Sing “If You’re Happy and Count the number of Read a book
other animals that hibernate write the names of colors. animals. orange. You Know It” (Words are on pumpkins you see about fall. The
over the winter. The library Use the red crayon to write What sound do you make? How the back. ) today. library can help
can help you find one. the word red; the blue crayon do you move? Keep a you find one.
to write the word blue; etc. tally.
25 WRITING 26 PLAYING 27 TALKING 28 SINGING 29 COUNTING 30 READING 31 WRITING
Write a list of words that Play a rhyming riddle game. Smell different things and Dance to a fast song and What three things would fit Read a book about Make a list of things you
rhyme with dog. What do you talk about them: spices, then dance to a slow song. inside your pumpkin? What Halloween. liked most about this month.
see that rhymes flowers, fruit, and cocoa. Clap along to both songs. three things won’t fit?
with bee? Yes, Which scents do you like or
a tree! dislike?Parents are tremendous role models.
If your children see that you think reading is important and enjoy it, they will follow
Books to Read
your lead. When you go to the library, check-out books for you and your children.
Put your books somewhere at home where your child can see them. Let your
children see you reading. Talk about what you’ve read, even if it is just to say, “That
this Month
was a good book. I liked reading it.”
THUMBKIN Sing to the tune of “Frère Jacques”
(Start with hands behind back.) Where is Ring Man? Where is Ring Man? Check out these books at the library. If they are not available, ask
Where is Thumbkin? Where is Thumbkin? Here I am. (Bring right hand to front, with ring finger up) the librarian for a recommendation.
Here I am. (Bring right hand to front, with thumb up) Here I am. (Bring left hand to front, with ring finger up)
Here I am. (Bring left hand to front, with thumb up) How are you today friend?
How are you today friend? Very well I thank you. (Wiggle fingers as if they are talking to
Very well, I thank you. (Wiggle thumbs as if they are talking to each other) FOR READERS AGES 0-3
each other). Run away. (Hide right hand behind back)
Run away. (Hide right hand behind back) Run away. (Hide left hand behind back) Besos for Baby
Run away. (Hide left hand behind back)
by Jen Arena
Where is Pinkie? Where is Pinkie? (Text is in English and Spanish)
Where is Pointer? Where is Pointer? Here I am. (Bring right hand to front, with little finger up)
Here I am. (Bring right hand to front, with index finger up)
Here I am. (Bring left hand to front, with index finger up)
Here I am. (Bring left hand to front, with little finger up)
How are you today friend?
Can I Be Your Dog?
How are you today friend? Very well, I thank you. (Wiggle fingers as if they are talking to by Troy Cummings
Very well, I thank you. (Wiggle fingers as if they are talking to each other)
each other) Run away. (Hide right hand behind back)
Run away. (Hide right hand behind back) Run away. (Hide left hand behind back) FOR READERS AGES 3+
Run away. (Hide left hand behind back)
Where are all the fingers? Where are all the fingers?
Good Night, Good
Where is tall man? Where is tall man? Here we are. (Bring right hand to front with all the fingers Night, Construction
Here I am. (Bring right hand to front, with third finger up)
Here I am. (Bring left hand to font, with third finger up)
showing)
Here we are. (Bring left hand to front with all the fingers
Site!
How are you today friend? showing) by Sherri Duskey Rinker
Very well, I thank you. (Wiggle fingers as if they’re talking to How are you today friends?
each other) Very well we thank you. (Wiggle fingers of both hands as if they Thanking the
Run away. (Hide right hand behind back) are talking to each other) Moon: Celebrating
Run away. (Hide right hand behind back)
Run away. (Hide left hand behind back)
Run away. (Hide left hand behind back) the Mid-Autumn
Moon Festival
IF YOU’RE HAPPY AND YOU KNOW IT by Grace Lin
If you’re happy and you know it clap your hands (clap, clap). If you’re happy and you know it clap your hands (clap, clap).
If you’re happy and you know and you really want to show it, if you’re happy and you know it clap your hands (clap, clap).
OTHER VERSES: STOMP YOUR FEET! SHOUT HOORAY! DO ALL THREE!NOVEMBER 2020
Daily literacy-building
activities to share with your child.
S U ND A Y MO NDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SAT U RD AY
1 WRITING 2 PLAYING 3 TALKING 4 SINGING 5 COUNTING 6 READING 7 WRITING
Create a list of things to do Go for a walk after dark. At the end of the day talk Have a family sing-along. Draw numbers 1-10 in big Read a book that won the Write a message to
this month. Hang it up where Pretend you are an explorer. about everything that Each person gets to pick a puffy letters. Help your child Caldecott Medal. The library someone
everyone can see. Have your Talk about what you see. happened. What did you like favorite song. color in each one as you say will help you find one based important.
child check off items as they best about today? each one. on what your child likes.
are completed.
8 PLAYING 9 TALKING 10 SINGING 11 COUNTING 12 READING 13 WRITING 14 PLAYING
Play “I Spy” with rhyming In the morning talk about Recite “Rub a Dub Dub.” Make cloud dough together. Read a fiction and Draw your child’s name in Make a fort with sheets and
words. what you will do today. (Words are (Follow the recipe nonfiction book about fall. big puffy letters. Help them furniture. Pretend you are
I spy with my little eye What are you especially on the on the Your library has lots to color in the letters as you sleeping there overnight.
something that rhymes with hat. excited to do? back. ) back. ) choose from! say each one. What will you bring? Read a
Yes, a cat! book together in the fort.
15 TALKING 16 SINGING 17 COUNTING 18 READING 19 WRITING 20 PLAYING 21 TALKING
Talk about fun things you Sing a favorite rhyming song. Name four things that begin Snuggle together and read Scribble day! Have lots of Do the alphabet hop! Write Talk about opposites. Reach
like to do together as a Stop at the end of a line and with the first letter of your two favorite books and papers, markers, crayons letters on paper and place high to the sky and low to
family. have your child fill in the child’s first name. one new book you haven’t for your child to scribble them on the floor. Hop from the ground. Take a big step
word. (See Twinkle, Twinkle read yet. and draw. one to the next naming the and a little step.
Little Star on the back. ) letters.
22 SINGING 23 COUNTING 24 READING 25 WRITING 26 PLAYING 27 TALKING 28 SINGING
Sing a song your toddler See how many cotton balls Read a book about Make a book with your child. Go for a morning walk. Walk Ask your child “What is March to a drum. Use any
knows but stop and let your you can fit into a variety of Thanksgiving. Draw letters and pictures to slow. Walk fast. your favorite toy?” Have empty container as a drum,
children fill in the blanks. different-sized containers. tell a story. Tape the pages (Toddler a conversation about the then play the drum and
“Row, row, row, your .” How many can fit in this cup? together. pace). answer. march to the tempo, going
How many can fit in your pocket? Repeat. from slow to fast.
29 COUNTING 30 READING
Make a number path. Recite Read a book about Winter.
each number as your child Talk about the seasons.
walks the path.
WWW.PLA .ORGListening to nursery rhymes and songs is an
early literacy experience that helps children Books to Read
understand how language and stories work.
Recite rhymes and sing songs with children from the time they are infants. This
helps them become aware of and then play with the sounds in the words. Many
this Month
rhymes tell a story with a beginning, middle, and end. This shows children how
stories work and that events happen in a sequence. Good readers understand that
stories and books have a beginning, middle, and end. After reciting a rhyme or
Check out these books at the library. If they are not available, ask
singing a song ask your child about the song. What happened at the beginning?
the librarian for a recommendation.
What happened at the end?
FOR READERS AGES 0-3
RUB A DUB DUB CLOUD DOUGH RECIPE How Are You? / ¿Cómo estás?
by Angela Dominguez
Rub a Dub Dub • 4 cups of flour
(Text is in English and Spanish)
• ½ cup of vegetable oil
Three Men in a Tub
Arctic Animals
• Food coloring
And Who Do You Think They Be? 1. Add the food coloring to the oil. Use as by Jill McDonald
The Butcher, The Baker, The Candlestick much or as little food color as needed to
Maker achieve the color you like.
And All of the them Out to Sea 2. Mix in the flour.
FOR READERS AGES 3+
3. Use your hands to knead the dough so Baby Monkey,
the oil is distributed evenly. Private Eye
4. Use on a large tray or shallow bin to help by Brian Selznick
keep the dough in one play. Give your
child cookie cutters, measuring cups, or A Big Mooncake for
other items to play with the dough. Little Star
by Grace LinDECEMBER 2020
Daily literacy-building
activities to share with your child.
SUNDAY MONDA Y TUESDAY WED NESDAY THURSDAY FRIDA SATUR DAY
1 WRITING 2 PLAYING 3 TALKING 4 SINGING 5 COUNTING
Make a winter card to send to Make an indoor fort with Talk about family traditions Sing “Snowflakes, Snowflakes.” Weigh your child and write
someone special. Who will sheets and furniture. Cuddle you’ll celebrate this month. (Words are on the back. ) Give it here
you send it to? together and read favorite each family member a scarf Compare it to the weight
Look at photos from previous
books. and move the scarves to the you wrote down in January.
years and talk about them.
beat of the song.
6 READING 7 WRITING 8 PLAYING 9 TALKING 10 SINGING 11 COUNTING 12 READING
Read books Write a message to Pretend to be an animal that Talk about your feelings. Sing, “The Frost Song.” Measure your child’s Read a fiction and
height
about different someone important to you. likes cold What made you happy (Words are and write it here nonfiction book about
holidays and weather. today? on the Compare it to January winter. Your library has
how people Who will back. ) and June. many to choose from!
celebrate them. you be?
13 WRITING 14 PLAYING 15 TALKING 16 SINGING 17 COUNTING 18 READING 19 WRITING
Draw shapes: a circle, square, Play with a large empty box. At mealtimes, talk about Sing some favorite songs. Make a high tower with Be a reading role model. Have each family member
triangle, and rectangle. Have What can you pretend to be the food you are preparing, Clap along to the singing. blocks. How many blocks Let your child see you write one thing they liked
your child color them in. Talk and do? what tools you are using, did you use? reading a book, about this week. Have your
about shapes and point them how you are making it, how magazine, or child decorate the paper.
out today. it will taste. newspaper.
20 PLAYING 21 TALKING 22 SINGING 23 COUNTING 24 READING 25 WRITING 26 PLAYING
Use play dough or cloud Talk about the seasons. Sing “Cold and Snowy Name three things that are Draw the alphabet on strips Pick one color and only use Go for a short walk after
dough to make a snowman. Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall. Morning.” (Words are on the white like snow. of paper. Add the strips of that to cover a whole dark. What do you see?
back. ) paper to a container and page with scribbles and What does it feel like
have your child draw one. pictures. outside?
Make that the letter of the
day.
27 TALKING 28 SINGING 29 COUNTING 30 READING 31 WRITING
Talk about favorite things Make up a song using your It’s Measure Your Feet Day. Snuggle together and read With your child, write a
that happened in 2020. child’s name. Incorporate Line up your family’s shoes a book of nursery rhymes. list of things you plan
other family member names or boots. Whose are the The library can help you to do in 2021.
or pets into the song. biggest? The smallest? find one.
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