Storrs Library announces slate of early childhood literacy classes

Date: 8/29/2011

LONGMEADOW — A five-week series of children’s classes will begin the week of Sept. 12 at Storrs Library, 693 Longmeadow St.

On Sept. 6 beginning at 10 a.m., the Philip Michael Lauro II, Discovery Room will accept walk-in registrations for a new series of children’s early literacy classes. The classes are planned to meet the needs of children who are between the ages of 18 months to 6 years.

Registrations by phone will be accepted after 11 a.m. for all programs. Please call the Philip Michael Lauro II Discovery Room at 565-4182 for more information.

An after school “Story Stretcher” workshop will take place on Tuesdays at 3:20 p.m. for children who are 5 to 8 years of age. This fun and lively program includes a group reading, snack, game, and craft activity. Story Stretchers will begin on Sept. 13, and continue until Oct. 11.

“Parent & Tot,” a beginning literacy classes for children who are between the ages of 24 and 36 months of age, will take place each Wednesday at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. from Sept. 14 to Oct. 12. This beginning literacy program consists of finger plays, music, stories and a craft. Each child must be accompanied by their parent or caregiver with no younger siblings attending.

There will also be two separate Storytime classes on Thursday morning at 10 a.m. and Thursday afternoon at 1 p.m. for children who are 3 to 5 years of age. The Thursday early literacy class will begin Sept. 15 and continue until Oct. 13. Sessions are limited to 20 children each.

The Storrs Library invites babies who are between the ages of 18 and 24 months to bring their parents along and take advantage of our five-week series of programs for younger children. This program encourages each child’s social growth and encourages parents and caregivers to believe that toddlers are never too young to love reading. “Books & Babies” will begin on Sept. 16 and continue until Oct. 14.

Babies will enjoy the library’s lap and sit program and unstructured playtime. “Books & Babies” includes nursery rhymes, songs, books, finger plays and playtime for the very young. Siblings may not attend. Storrs Library will provide the books and toys. Children practice early social skills, discover the magic of books and moms, dads, and caregivers learn the value of reading to their little ones. The Meadows Lodge of Masons donated all materials for this program.