Family Literature Event coming on April 7

Published 8:14 am Friday, March 23, 2018

What has music, activities, books, and magic, and is free? The third annual Family Literacy Event from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 7, at the Austin Public Library!

The Austin Literacy team consists of community organizations, including MacPhail Music Centers, Austin Aspires, Austin Public Schools, Head Start, and others that promote reading and literacy through fun activities.

This year’s event will focus on the Matchbox Children’s Theater production of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” a magical story about a young boy who wins a tour through a magical and magnificent chocolate factory, led by a most unusual candy maker.

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The event will feature interactive activities with actors from the show, face painting, games, books, prizes, magic by Jim Jayes, and much, much more!

Reading and literacy is important for all ages. It is critical to economic development as well as individual community well-being.

Developing strong literacy skills set children up for success into the future.

Young children learn about language by hearing it, so the more they hear the better.

Families are encouraged to talk to their children a lot; ask them questions about things, listen to music, and read lots of books together.

Interaction with real books and activities are the best way for children to learn.

Media in all forms, including TV, computers, and smartphones, can affect how children feel, learn, think and behave.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children under the age of 18 months should have very little exposure to digital media. Children ages 2-5 should have no more than one hour of screen use per day and that use should be high quality, non-violent, educational, and prosocial.

Parents are encouraged to co-view or co-play when you are using digital media with your young children.

We hope to see you on Saturday morning, April 7, at the Austin Public Library for some fun and magical family activities!

www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/Media/Pages/Healthy-Digital-Media-Use-Habits-for-Babies-Toddlers-Preschoolers.aspx