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

Iowa State University (ISU) Extension and Outreach of Kossuth, Emmet, and Palo Alto Counties are offering Our Bookshelf, a four-week virtual program for parents of preschoolers. The program focuses on a research-based reading technique called dialogic reading, which is designed to increase prereading skills in children aged three to six.

Parents will receive books 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 on March 9,13, 20, and 27^th from 12:00 – 12:30 pm. The course is offered free-of-charge; however, spots are limited!  Program sponsors include ISU Extension and Outreach of Kossuth, Palo Alto, and Emmet Counties as well as Early Childhood North Central Iowa. Registration can be completed online here.