Make any time learning time with new text service 

Getting every child ready to read starts at home. A new text service helps parents with fun activities they can do with children to prepare for kindergarten. 

“We’ve been looking for a way to share this information with parents. It’s a really good way to tap into our expertise,” says Allison McLean, head of the children’s department at Elkhart Public Library. “This is easy for parents to sign up for, easy to get.” 

After opting in, parents will receive two texts a week with activity ideas for building skills in reading and STEM that are age appropriate. Activities are tailored to a child’s developmental level, and parents also receive information about library events near them. 

The tips grow with your children, up to age 6, so the activities and tips will be different for a 3-month-old and a 4-year-old. 

“I enjoy getting them for my own children,” Allison says. “One for my 5-year-old said, ‘The next time you’re cooking, read the recipe together and have them measure out the ingredients.’” 

Another, she says, geared for her 1-year-old, suggested pointing out the vegetables in the grocery store and saying their name to increase the child’s vocabulary. 

“It gets the kids involved in how they can learn from it and what they’re ready to learn,” says Allison. 

Message and data rates may apply, to sign up, text TALK to 75547.