Our Bookshelf virtual program helps parents prepare preschoolers to read

Are you the parent of a preschooler? Did you know parents can prepare their children to read by reading to them? Research shows that preschoolers who are exposed to lots of language through books and conversations have greater academic success.

The Jasper County Extension Service is offering Our Bookshelf, a 4-week virtual program for parents of preschoolers. The program focuses on a research-based reading technique called dialogic reading, which is designed to increase pre-reading skills in children aged 3-6.

Each week parents will receive a book to share with their child and an accompanying parent reading guide. Additionally, for 30 minutes each week, parents will engage virtually with other parents in an interactive and informational session. During these sessions, parents will learn about planning for daily reading times, reading aloud, having conversations about language and books, extending language learning through play, and using literacy interactions to pave their child’s way for future success as a reader in a school setting.

The sessions will be held via Zoom from noon to 12:30 p.m. Thursdays starting on April 20. The course is offered free-of-charge and is sponsored by the Jasper County Extension Service and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. To register, contact Denice Fischer by April 14 at fischerd@iastate.edu or 641-792-6433.