March is here, bringing longer days, blooming flowers, and the perfect chance to spring into reading! As nature begins to wake up, it’s a wonderful time to connect literacy with the outdoors. Reading outside boosts mood, sparks curiosity, and helps children make meaningful connections between stories and the world around them. Whether it’s reading under a tree, on a picnic blanket, or listening to birds while turning pages, spring offers a fresh and exciting backdrop for building strong literacy skills.
Don’t miss out on our exciting Día de los Niños events coming soon to your local county library! This special celebration honors children and families, and the joy of reading with fun activities, stories, and community connections for all ages.
Be sure to visit the Yolo County Library for event dates, times, and locations so you can join the celebration at a branch near you. We can’t wait to see you there!
Looking for simple outdoor literacy activities?
Try a Story Walk in your backyard or local park, read a page, then pause to find something from the story in nature. Try the Capay Open Space Park Story Trail by Yolo County Library
Create a Nature Word Hunt by writing simple words like “flower,” “bird,” or “cloud” on paper and searching for them outside.
After reading, encourage your child to draw what they saw or make up their own spring story inspired by their surroundings.
Bring a basket of books outside for a cozy “reading picnic”. Turn an ordinary afternoon into a literacy adventure!
Nature and literacy go hand in hand. Stories about gardens, animals, rain, and growth help children expand vocabulary while experiencing these things in real life. Reading these stories together helps children visualize settings, understand seasonal changes, and engage all their senses in the learning experience. Enjoy classic favorites or explore and find new ones!
Winter break brings a precious gift—time together. As the world slows down and home feels a little warmer, families can enjoy simple moments that build connection, spark imagination, and create memories children will treasure long after the holidays fade.
Create a Cozy Reading Corner
Tuck a few blankets, pillows, and favorite books into a quiet spot. Add twinkle lights or a small lamp and let kids settle in with a warm drink. Even just 10 minutes of quiet reading —together, side by side—is enough to create a peaceful family moment.
Sip & Read Together
Warm cocoa, peppermint tea, or apple cider can turn reading into a small celebration. Take turns reading aloud or let older children read to younger siblings. It’s a simple way to slow down and enjoy each other’s company.
Try a Gentle Winter Reading Challenge
Encourage playful reading moments like:
Reading under a blanket
Reading next to the tree
Reading a snowy book
Reading with a pet or stuffed friend
Add small rewards like stickers or extra marshmallows to make it extra fun.
Cook and Read in the Kitchen
Reading recipes together is a wonderful way to build literacy while making memories. Let your child stir, pour, or read aloud ingredients. Create a “family recipe book” where you save your favorite winter treats year after year.
Tell Your Own Winter Stories
Invite kids to invent stories using drawings, story dice, or winter-themed words. These homemade tales often become the sweetest keepsakes—little snapshots of imagination and family laughter.
Start a Winter Reading Night
Choose one evening to unplug and simply read together. Picture books, chapter books, graphic novels… anything goes! End by sharing a favorite part. It’s a family tradition kids will look forward to every year. These simple moments help children grow as readers and create memories that feel just as warm as a cozy blanket on a chilly day.
A medida que llega el otoño y la luz del día comienza a desvanecerse un poco antes, las familias suelen encontrarse ajustando sus ritmos. Los días se vuelven más cortos, las noches más acogedoras, y surge una suave invitación a desacelerar. Para los padres y los niños pequeños, este cambio de estación puede traer tanto consuelo como desafío, especialmente cuando nuestras rutinas, horarios de sueño y niveles de energía comienzan a cambiar.
Abrazar el Cambio: El Cuidado Personal a Través de la Rutina y el Ritmo
El cambio en las horas de luz puede afectar a cada persona de manera diferente. Los niños pueden sentirse somnolientos más temprano o más inquietos mientras sus cuerpos se ajustan. Los padres también pueden sentir esa tensión entre los horarios ocupados y la necesidad de descanso.
Crear rutinas suaves puede ayudar a todos a sentirse más equilibrados. Intenta lo siguiente:
Un momento de lectura para “relajarse” después de la cena, antes de que oscurezca por completo.
Un ritual acogedor por la mañana, como leer juntos bajo una manta con una bebida caliente antes de comenzar el día.
Caminatas tranquilas en familia al atardecer para disfrutar del cambio de las hojas y conversar sobre lo que observan juntos.
Leer Juntos: Historias que Reconfortan y Conectan
Los libros pueden ayudar a los niños a comprender las transiciones —desde los cambios de estación hasta las nuevas rutinas. Elige historias que reflejen calidez, conexión y adaptabilidad. Leer estos libros juntos puede abrir conversaciones amables sobre los cambios, el consuelo y el sentido de pertenencia.
Aquí tienes algunas lecturas maravillosas para el otoño y para fortalecer los lazos familiares:
As autumn settles in and daylight begins to fade a little earlier, families often find themselves adjusting to new rhythms. The days grow shorter, evenings cozier, and there’s a gentle invitation to slow down. For parents and young children, this seasonal shift can bring both comfort and challenge especially when our routines, sleep schedules, and energy levels start to change.
Embracing the Shift: Self-Care Through Routine and Rhythm
The change in daylight can affect everyone differently. Children might feel sleepy earlier or more restless as their bodies adjust. Parents, too, may feel that tug between busy schedules and the need for rest.
Creating gentle routines can help everyone feel grounded. Try:
A “wind-down” reading time after dinner, before the evening gets too dark.
A cozy morning ritual, like reading together with a blanket and warm drink before starting the day.
Quiet family walks at dusk to enjoy the changing leaves and talk about what you notice together.
Reading Together: Stories That Comfort and Connect
Books can help children make sense of transitions from changing seasons to new routines. Choose stories that reflect warmth, connection, and adaptability. Reading these books together can open gentle conversations about changes, comfort, and belonging.
Here are a few wonderful reads for fall and family connection:
En el corazón del crecimiento de cada niño está la alegría de aprender. Una de las mejores maneras de apoyar ese crecimiento es a través de actividades de lectura que sean divertidas, amorosas y adaptadas a la forma única en que cada niño aprende.Si estás criando o enseñando a un niño con discapacidades del desarrollo, sabes lo especial y maravilloso que es su camino de aprendizaje. Cada pequeño paso cuenta—y estamos aquí para acompañarte en ese viaje.Ya sea que estés en casa, en la escuela o visitando la biblioteca, hay muchas formas sencillas y alegres de incluir la lectura en el mundo de tu hijo.
¿Qué es la literatura (y por qué es más que solo leer)?
La alfabetización es más que leer libros. También incluye escuchar cuentos, mirar imágenes, cantar canciones, aprender nuevas palabras y explorar el mundo con curiosidad. Para los niños con retrasos o discapacidades del desarrollo, los momentos cotidianos pueden convertirse en grandes oportunidades para fortalecer el lenguaje y la comunicación.
Actividades Fáciles de literatura para el Hogar o la Escuela
Aquí te compartimos algunas formas divertidas y cariñosas de apoyar las habilidades de lectura de tu hijo/a:
Cuentos con Abrazos
Acurrúquense con un libro favorito—¡aunque solo quieran mirar las imágenes! Describan lo que ven juntos. Permite que tu hijo pase las páginas. Usa voces graciosas para los personajes.
Canta y Ríe con Canciones
Canciones como “Estrellita dónde estás” o “La araña pequeñita” tienen ritmo, repeticiones y movimientos con las manos que ayudan al lenguaje y la coordinación.
Habla Sobre el Día
Narra lo que están haciendo: “Estamos poniéndote los calcetines rojos. ¡Uno, dos!” Esto ayuda a ampliar el vocabulario de forma natural.
Libros sin Palabras o con Imágenes
Permite que tu hijo invente la historia al mirar las imágenes—¡o hagan una juntos! Los libros sin texto fomentan la imaginación.
Explora la Biblioteca como una Aventura
Visita tu biblioteca local y busca libros sobre lo que más le gusta a tu hijo—¡dinosaurios, camiones, animales o colores! Deja que él o ella elija.
¡La Biblioteca es tu Compañera en la Lectura!
Nos llena de alegría compartir que la Biblioteca del Condado de Yolo, en colaboración con Help Me Grow Yolo, está aquí para apoyar a tu familia.
¡Puedes pedir prestado un kit gratuito de evaluación ASQ!
¿Quieres saber cómo va el desarrollo de tu hijo/a? Ahora puedes pedir prestado un kit con el Cuestionario de Edades y Etapas (ASQ) en la biblioteca. Es una herramienta sencilla y amigable para las familias que ayuda a seguir el crecimiento del niño en áreas como el lenguaje, la motricidad y la resolución de problemas.
Cada Niño es una Historia por Contar
Cada niño aprende a su propio ritmo y de su propia manera—¡y eso es algo para celebrar! Con amor, paciencia y un poco de creatividad, la lectura puede convertirse en una parte alegre de la vida diaria. Así que canta una canción, cuenta un cuento y visita la biblioteca—¡nunca sabes qué aventuras les esperan!
At the heart of every child’s growth is the joy of learning, and one of the best ways to support that growth is through literacy activities that are fun, loving, and tailored to each child’s unique way of learning. If you are caring for a child with developmental disabilities, you already know how special and amazing their learning journey is. Every small step matters! Whether you’re at home, in school, or visiting the library, there are so many easy and joyful ways to bring literacy into your child’s world.
What is Literacy (and Why It’s More Than Reading!)
Literacy is more than just reading books. It’s also listening to stories, looking at pictures, singing songs, learning new words, and exploring the world with curiosity. For children with developmental delays or disabilities, everyday moments can be meaningful opportunities to build language and communication skills.
Easy Literacy Activities to Try at Home or School
Here are some fun, gentle ways to support your child’s literacy skills:
Story Time Snuggles
Cuddle up with a favorite book—even if your child only wants to look at the pictures. Describe what you see together. Let them turn the pages. Use silly voices for the characters.
Sing-Along Songs & Rhymes
Songs like “Twinkle Twinkle” or “Itsy Bitsy Spider” are full of rhythm, repetition, and hand motions that help with language and motor development.
Use Picture Books or Wordless Books
Let your child make up the story based on the pictures—or you can tell one together! Books without words are wonderful for imagination.
The Library is Your Literacy Partner!
We are proud to share that the Yolo County Library, in collaboration with Yolo County Help Me Grow, is here to support your family.
Wondering how your child is doing in their development? You can check out an Ages & Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) kit from the library! It’s a simple, parent-friendly tool that helps track your child’s growth in areas like communication, motor skills, and problem-solving.
Every Child is a Story Waiting to Be Told
Every child learns in their own way, at their own pace, and that’s something to celebrate. With love, patience, and a little creativity, literacy can become a joyful part of your family’s everyday life. Sing a song, tell a story, and visit your library… you never know what adventures await!
In the bustle of everyday life, it’s easy to overlook the quiet, meaningful moments but those moments are often where the magic happens. Reading together, even for just a few minutes a day, can become one of the most rewarding parts of your family’s routine.
Whether it’s a bedtime story or a snuggly afternoon read on the couch, sharing books with young children supports more than just early learning. It strengthens language development, sparks imagination, and builds a strong emotional bond between you and your child.
The good news? A family reading habit doesn’t have to be long or elaborate. It’s about consistency and connection. When children see reading as a regular, joyful part of home life, it sets the foundation for a lifelong love of books.
Why a Reading Routine Matters
Reading aloud with your child does more than teach them words—it shares a love for words. When books become part of your daily rhythm, children begin to associate stories with comfort, joy, and security. This foundation supports lifelong learning and a deeper bond between parent and child. Plus, just 10–15 minutes a day of shared reading can make a lasting difference.
Tips for Building a Reading Routine:
Set a regular time: Bedtime is a popular choice, but morning snuggles, or after-school quiet time can work just as well.
Create a reading nook: A comfy chair, a soft blanket, and a little basket of books nearby can invite children in.
Let them choose: Even if it means reading the same book for the tenth time this week, letting your child lead builds confidence and enthusiasm.
Model reading: Children learn by watching. If they see you enjoying books, they’ll want to join in too.
Book Recommendations for Young Children
Here are a few sweet and engaging titles perfect for little readers. These books that offer comfort, spark questions, and invite shaking off giggles before quiet time:
The first day of school is a big milestone—whether it’s your child’s very first day ever, or just the first day of a brand-new grade. Along with new backpacks, lunchboxes, and routines, children often carry something else: big emotions. Excitement, nervousness, curiosity, fear, and even sadness can swirl together in ways that are tough for young ones to explain.
As families, we can support our children through this transition by helping them understand their feelings, building excitement around learning, and—of course—turning to the power of books to guide those important conversations.
Why the First Day Feels So Big
For young children, starting school often means separating from home and caregivers for the first time. For older children, it might mean a new teacher, classmates, or a bigger workload. It’s perfectly natural for kids to feel unsure about these changes.
Understanding their emotions—and naming them—is the first step toward helping them manage those feelings. Picture books, read-aloud, and family discussions are fantastic tools for doing just that.
Helping Preschool and Kindergarten-Age Children
At this age, children may not have the words to explain how they feel. Visual stories and gentle reassurances go a long way. Establish routines before school starts—like reading a story together every night or practicing the morning routine—to help things feel more predictable.
Books to Read Together:
The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn
This classic tells the story of a little raccoon nervous about going to school. His mother shares a sweet secret for feeling her love all day long.
Llama Llama Misses Mama by Anna Dewdney
Llama’s first day of preschool is full of worry and longing for Mama. A relatable, rhyming story that helps normalize separation anxiety.
First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg
A funny twist: the person with the jitters is the teacher! It’s a reassuring reminder that everyone feels nervous sometimes.
Supporting Elementary-Age Children
As children grow, they may be more aware of social dynamics or academic expectations. Encourage them to share their worries—whether it’s about making friends, a tricky subject, or even getting lost in the building.
Talk through potential situations and help them think through solutions. Empowering them with confidence and perspective makes a big difference.
Books for School-Age Readers:
Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes
Wemberly is a little mouse who worries—a lot. A comforting book that helps children know they’re not alone in their anxious feelings.
All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold
A colorful, inclusive book celebrating the diverse, supportive communities that schools can be.
The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson
For kids feeling different or unsure, this beautifully written book is a celebration of finding your place.
Family Tips for Soothing First Day:
Practice together: Visit the school, meet the teacher if possible, and do a trial run of the morning routine.
Create a goodbye ritual: A special phrase, hug, or handshake can help ease transitions.
Make time to listen: After school, keep things open-ended: “What made you smile today?” or “Was anything tricky?”
Be patient: The adjustment period can take days or weeks. Expect ups and downs—and celebrate small victories.
The first day of school is the start of so many new adventures. While big emotions are a natural part of that transition, they’re also an opportunity for connection, empathy, and growth. With stories in hand and love in our hearts, we can help children feel brave, supported, and ready to take their first steps into a brand-new year.
The summer season is full of sunshine, sweet fruits, and special moments with your children. It’s the perfect time to bring books to life through nature and food! Young children thrive when learning is hands-on and connected to the world around them. A simple and joyful way to build early literacy is to combine summer reading with outdoor play and the natural delight of seasonal fruits
Summer fruits like strawberries, peaches, blueberries, and watermelon are not only healthy and good treats, they’re also full of sensory experiences that spark language learning.
Here’s how families can celebrate summer reading through nature and food while building language, vocabulary, and family memories.
Let’s explore: Bring fruit into your reading time!
These conversations build descriptive language and vocabulary in a fun, natural way.
Let’s Adventure: Outdoor Story Picnics
Take your story time to a local park, backyard, or garden. Pack a blanket, a basket of books, and some fresh fruit snacks. Let your child help choose the books and snacks, it gives them experience and excitement. Create themed picnics!
Encourage your child to draw pictures or write about the fruits they try or outdoor adventures they go on after reading. You can even glue in fruit stickers, wrappers, or leaves to make it interactive.
This type of journaling combines reading, writing, and reflecting—all essential parts of early literacy.
Let’s Celebrate Together: Summer Reading Fruit Party
At the end of the summer, celebrate your reading adventures by hosting a small “Fruit & Story Celebration.” Invite friends or family to share their favorite summer books and fruits. Let kids tell their favorite stories, sing songs, or act out parts of books.
It doesn’t have to be big—just a fun way to wrap up a season full of learning and laughter!
Let’s celebrate Summer Reading 2025. Join the Yolo County Library Summer Reading Program!
Summer reading is more than finishing a book list; it’s about creating joyful, real-world experiences that bring stories to life. When families read together, enjoy seasonal fruits, and explore the outdoors, children build strong literacy foundations in meaningful and memorable ways.
The Summer Reading Program at Yolo County Library helps promote literacy for people of all ages by providing incentives to grow and sustain a lifelong reading habit. Join us for our Summer Reading Program, June 1 – August 15.
The kitchen table isn’t just for eating, it’s a place where conversation, learning, and family bonding can thrive. Family mealtimes offer an incredible opportunity to connect, share, and foster valuable literacy skills in children.
Here are three ways to make family meals into a powerful tool supporting your children’s literacy development and school readiness:
Conversations Spark Learning:
Ask open-ended questions about the day’s events or discuss favorite books and stories. This expands your children’s vocabulary, gives them practice in telling stories, and develops communication skills.
For example, instead of asking, “How was school today?” try asking, “What was the most interesting thing you learned today?” These questions encourage your child to think critically, express themselves clearly, and engage in deeper conversations.
Literacy through Cooking and Recipes:
Mealtime provides a natural setting for learning through cooking. Reading recipes is a fantastic way to combine literacy and life skills. Children can learn to read instructions, follow steps, and remember sequences. Cooking also introduces them to new vocabulary related to ingredients (vocabulary), measurements (math), and cooking methods (science).
Encourage your child to help plan and prepare meals. Let them read the recipe, measure the ingredients, and even write a shopping list. By involving them in meal prep, you are teaching them practical literacy skills they can apply in everyday situations.
Building Family Bonds:
Mealtime provides an opportunity to share stories, laugh together, and encourage a sense of belonging. These moments of connection contribute to a positive emotional environment that can make children more eager to engage in reading, writing, and learning.
Spotlight:
Check out our Storytime Kit: Healthy Food Habits! This kit includes books in Spanish and English, hands-on activities, and fun learning resources designed to teach children about healthy food choices.
While logged in, you also have access to The New York Times InEducation, which provides curated reading lists across 12 disciplines of study.
If you have questions about accessing the NYT, please contact NYT@library.ca.gov.
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ias y días
La alfabetización es más que leer libros. También incluye escuchar cuentos, mirar imágenes, cantar canciones, aprender nuevas palabras y explorar el mundo con curiosidad. Para los niños con retrasos o discapacidades del desarrollo, los momentos cotidianos pueden convertirse en grandes oportunidades para fortalecer el lenguaje y la comunicación.
The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson
Summer fruits like strawberries, peaches, blueberries, and watermelon are not only healthy and good treats, they’re also full of sensory experiences that spark language learning.
After reading a book like 
Encourage your child to draw pictures or write about the fruits they try or outdoor adventures they go on after reading. You can even glue in fruit stickers, wrappers, or leaves to make it interactive.
