Early literacy refers to the pre-reading and pre-writing skills a child should know before starting kindergarten. Every Child Ready to Read has defined 5 early literacy practices to help parents and caregivers nurture early literacy anytime, anywhere.
The 5 practices are:
Talk, Read, Sing, Write, Play
· Talk about the activity or book you are sharing with your child.
· Sing or make up songs while doing chores, building blocks, etc.
· Read books, magazines, road signs, and more with your child.
· Write the letters of the alphabet, create a story, or draw shapes.
· Play with words, books, or toys to reinforce your child’s early literacy skills.
What is S.T.E.A.M. or S.T.E.M. learning?
The acronym refers to 5 educational disciplines that children should experience:
• Science
• Technology
• Engineering
• Art (not a part of STEM learning)
• Mathematics
Why is it important?
Not only do children need early literacy skills to prepare them for future learning, they also need basic S.T.E.A.M. concepts to help them excel in school.
Basic S.T.E.A.M. concepts include, but are not limited to:
• Shapes
• Counting
• Using crayons, pencils, and markers
• Building with blocks
• Listening to music
• Talking about the weather
• Cooking
• And MUCH more
Visit Every Child Ready to Read, or click here for more early literacy resources.
05dec4:30 p.m.5:30 p.m.Family Storytime Tribe
Event Details
Join Sherwood Branch Library every Thursday at 4:30PM from Oct. 3-Dec. 12 for Family Storytime Tribe in the Community Room! We’ll enjoy reading, singing, dancing, and more! Geared to ages
Event Details
Join Sherwood Branch Library every Thursday at 4:30PM from Oct. 3-Dec. 12 for Family Storytime Tribe in the Community Room! We’ll enjoy reading, singing, dancing, and more! Geared to ages 0-6, but all are welcome. No registration is needed. Our friends from the Defiance County Board of Developmental Disabilities will join us Oct. 17 and Nov. 21 for special, Inclusive Storytime sessions!
Please note, there will be no storytime on Nov. 28 (Thanksgiving).
Time
December 5, 2024 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Location
Sherwood Branch Library
117 N. Harrison Street
Organizer
Event Details
Santa will arrive at Defiance Public Library on December 6, 2024 at 5:10PM to join us for a special holiday Storytime session. Holiday crafts will also be available at the
Event Details
Santa will arrive at Defiance Public Library on December 6, 2024 at 5:10PM to join us for a special holiday Storytime session. Holiday crafts will also be available at the library from 1:00-5:00PM, and carolers will treat us to Christmas music beginning at 4:00PM. Santa and the carolers will sing a song before story time, and milk and cookies will be available while supplies last!
This special event is free and open to all families, sponsored by the Friends of Defiance Public Library & Defiance Development and Visitors’ Bureau. No registration is needed.
Time
December 6, 2024 5:10 p.m.
Location
Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.
Organizer
10dec5:00 p.m.Festive Graham Cracker Houses
Event Details
Space is limited and registration is required. Register using the form below, or by calling 419-542-6200. The deadline to register is 5PM on Dec. 5. Visit Johnson Memorial Library on
Event Details
Space is limited and registration is required. Register using the form below, or by calling 419-542-6200. The deadline to register is 5PM on Dec. 5.
Visit Johnson Memorial Library on December 10 at 5PM and decorate a prebuilt graham cracker house with festive candies! Geared to school-aged children. Sponsored by the Friends of JML.
Time
December 10, 2024 5:00 p.m.
Location
Johnson Memorial Library
116 W. High St., Hicksville, Ohio
Organizer
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12dec4:30 p.m.5:30 p.m.Family Storytime Tribe
Event Details
Join Sherwood Branch Library every Thursday at 4:30PM from Oct. 3-Dec. 12 for Family Storytime Tribe in the Community Room! We’ll enjoy reading, singing, dancing, and more! Geared to ages
Event Details
Join Sherwood Branch Library every Thursday at 4:30PM from Oct. 3-Dec. 12 for Family Storytime Tribe in the Community Room! We’ll enjoy reading, singing, dancing, and more! Geared to ages 0-6, but all are welcome. No registration is needed. Our friends from the Defiance County Board of Developmental Disabilities will join us Oct. 17 and Nov. 21 for special, Inclusive Storytime sessions!
Please note, there will be no storytime on Nov. 28 (Thanksgiving).
Time
December 12, 2024 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Location
Sherwood Branch Library
117 N. Harrison Street
Organizer
13dec4:00 p.m.4:45 p.m.Pajama Storytime
Event Details
Ages 0-5 are invited to Johnson Memorial Library on Dec. 13 from 4:00-4:45 p.m. for Pajama Storytime! We’ll be sipping cocoa and making a simple fingerprint tree craft following the
Event Details
Ages 0-5 are invited to Johnson Memorial Library on Dec. 13 from 4:00-4:45 p.m. for Pajama Storytime! We’ll be sipping cocoa and making a simple fingerprint tree craft following the story. No registration is needed. Sponsored by the Friends of JML!
Time
December 13, 2024 4:00 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Location
Johnson Memorial Library
116 W. High St., Hicksville, Ohio
Organizer
14dec10:00 a.m.12:30 p.m.Cookies with Mrs. Claus
Event Details
Join us at Sherwood Branch Library on Saturday, Dec. 14 from 10AM-12:30PM for Cookies with Mrs. Claus! We’ll enjoy Christmas stories, crafts, games, and more. All ages are welcome, and
Event Details
Join us at Sherwood Branch Library on Saturday, Dec. 14 from 10AM-12:30PM for Cookies with Mrs. Claus! We’ll enjoy Christmas stories, crafts, games, and more. All ages are welcome, and no registration is needed.
Time
December 14, 2024 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Location
Sherwood Branch Library
117 N. Harrison Street
Organizer
16dec5:00 p.m.Decorate a Gingerbread HouseWaitlist is Open
Event Details
Space is limited and registration is required. Register using the form below, or by calling 419-899-4343. All ages are invited to Sherwood Branch Library on December 16 at 5 p.m.
Event Details
Space is limited and registration is required. Register using the form below, or by calling 419-899-4343.
All ages are invited to Sherwood Branch Library on December 16 at 5 p.m. to decorate a gingerbread house! All supplies are provided; just bring your creativity!
Time
December 16, 2024 5:00 p.m.
Location
Sherwood Branch Library
117 N. Harrison Street
Organizer
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17dec4:00 p.m.6:00 p.m.Lego Fun
Event Details
Join us at Sherwood Branch Library for Lego Fun from 4:00-6:00 PM on the following dates (3rd Tuesday of each month):November 19 December 17 January 21February 18March 18April 15May 20All
Event Details
Join us at Sherwood Branch Library for Lego Fun from 4:00-6:00 PM on the following dates (3rd Tuesday of each month):
November 19
December 17
January 21
February 18
March 18
April 15
May 20
All ages welcome. No registration needed.
Time
December 17, 2024 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Location
Sherwood Branch Library
117 N. Harrison Street
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
Organizer
17dec5:00 p.m.6:30 p.m.Christmas Card Creations
Event Details
Space is limited and registration is required. Register using the form below, or by calling the library at 419-899-4343. Visit Sherwood Branch Library on Tuesday, Dec. 17, from 5:00-6:30PM and
Event Details
Space is limited and registration is required. Register using the form below, or by calling the library at 419-899-4343.
Visit Sherwood Branch Library on Tuesday, Dec. 17, from 5:00-6:30PM and join us in crafting your own colorful Christmas card creations! All ages are welcome.
Time
December 17, 2024 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Location
Sherwood Branch Library
117 N. Harrison Street
Organizer
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23dec5:00 p.m.6:30 p.m.Pinecone Christmas Trees
Event Details
Space is limited and registration is required. Register using the form below, or by calling 419-542-6200. The deadline to register is 5PM on Dec. 21. Visit Johnson Memorial Library on
Event Details
Space is limited and registration is required. Register using the form below, or by calling 419-542-6200. The deadline to register is 5PM on Dec. 21.
Visit Johnson Memorial Library on Dec. 23 from 5-6:30PM to create your own Christmas tree from a pine cone. Geared to elementary school students.
Time
December 23, 2024 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Location
Johnson Memorial Library
116 W. High St., Hicksville, Ohio
Organizer
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janWinter Read 2025: Be a Reading Machine
Event Details
Register and log your reading at defiancelibrary.beanstack.orgReady, set, READ! We encourage readers of all ages to challenge themselves to become reading machines this winter.
Event Details
Register and log your reading at defiancelibrary.beanstack.org
Ready, set, READ! We encourage readers of all ages to challenge themselves to become reading machines this winter. From Jan. 1-31, Defiance Public Library System is participating in “Be a Reading Machine,” a reading challenge sponsored by Beanstack and Baker & Taylor.
We challenge our community to read and log at least 240 minutes during the challenge. For logging your minutes read, you will earn fun, new badges. The top-performing libraries and schools will even win special prizes.
Each week, a winner will be chosen from those who logged 60 minutes within the past week; winners will be announced on Fridays, beginning January 10. The winner will receive their choice of a $5 gift card to Biggby, Dunkin’ Donuts, or Cabin Fever. A Grand Prize winner will be randomly chosen on February 3rd from the list of those who logged 240 minutes (or more); the Grand Prize is a $25 gift card to Barnes & Noble.
Prizes are sponsored by the Friends of Defiance Public Library!
Time
Month Long Event (January)
Organizer
Event Details
Visit Hicksville’s Johnson Memorial Library on Jan. 8, 5, 22, and 29 at 10:30AM for Open Play Day! Join other parents and children for playtime at the library. Geared to
Event Details
Visit Hicksville’s Johnson Memorial Library on Jan. 8, 5, 22, and 29 at 10:30AM for Open Play Day! Join other parents and children for playtime at the library. Geared to ages 0-5. No registration is needed.
Time
January 8, 2025 10:30 a.m.
Location
Johnson Memorial Library
116 W. High St., Hicksville, Ohio
Organizer
Event Details
Visit Hicksville’s Johnson Memorial Library on Jan. 8, 5, 22, and 29 at 10:30AM for Open Play Day! Join other parents and children for playtime at the library. Geared to
Event Details
Visit Hicksville’s Johnson Memorial Library on Jan. 8, 5, 22, and 29 at 10:30AM for Open Play Day! Join other parents and children for playtime at the library. Geared to ages 0-5. No registration is needed.
Time
January 15, 2025 10:30 a.m.
Location
Johnson Memorial Library
116 W. High St., Hicksville, Ohio
Organizer
21jan4:00 p.m.6:00 p.m.Lego Fun
Event Details
Join us at Sherwood Branch Library for Lego Fun from 4:00-6:00 PM on the following dates (3rd Tuesday of each month):November 19 December 17 January 21February 18March 18April 15May 20All
Event Details
Join us at Sherwood Branch Library for Lego Fun from 4:00-6:00 PM on the following dates (3rd Tuesday of each month):
November 19
December 17
January 21
February 18
March 18
April 15
May 20
All ages welcome. No registration needed.
Time
January 21, 2025 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Location
Sherwood Branch Library
117 N. Harrison Street
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
Organizer
Event Details
Visit Hicksville’s Johnson Memorial Library on Jan. 8, 5, 22, and 29 at 10:30AM for Open Play Day! Join other parents and children for playtime at the library. Geared to
Event Details
Visit Hicksville’s Johnson Memorial Library on Jan. 8, 5, 22, and 29 at 10:30AM for Open Play Day! Join other parents and children for playtime at the library. Geared to ages 0-5. No registration is needed.
Time
January 22, 2025 10:30 a.m.
Location
Johnson Memorial Library
116 W. High St., Hicksville, Ohio
Organizer
25jan10:00 a.m.12:00 p.m.PlayDough Party
Event Details
Come and create your masterpieces with PlayDough! PlayDough Party is taking place on the fourth Saturday of each month (Oct. 26, Nov. 23, Dec. 28, Jan. 25, Feb. 22, March
Event Details
Come and create your masterpieces with PlayDough! PlayDough Party is taking place on the fourth Saturday of each month (Oct. 26, Nov. 23, Dec. 28, Jan. 25, Feb. 22, March 22, April 26, May 24) from 10AM-noon at Sherwood Branch Library. Open to all ages that love to squish and sculpt with dough! No registration needed.
Time
January 25, 2025 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location
Sherwood Branch Library
117 N. Harrison Street
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
Organizer
28jan4:00 p.m.5:00 p.m.Lego Club at JML
Event Details
Come build with us! Lego Club will take place at Johnson Memorial Library from 4:00-5:00PM on the last Tuesday of each month. No registration needed! Geared to ages 7-12.
Event Details
Come build with us! Lego Club will take place at Johnson Memorial Library from 4:00-5:00PM on the last Tuesday of each month. No registration needed! Geared to ages 7-12.
Time
January 28, 2025 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Location
Johnson Memorial Library
116 W. High St., Hicksville, Ohio
Organizer
Event Details
Visit Hicksville’s Johnson Memorial Library on Jan. 8, 5, 22, and 29 at 10:30AM for Open Play Day! Join other parents and children for playtime at the library. Geared to
Event Details
Visit Hicksville’s Johnson Memorial Library on Jan. 8, 5, 22, and 29 at 10:30AM for Open Play Day! Join other parents and children for playtime at the library. Geared to ages 0-5. No registration is needed.
Time
January 29, 2025 10:30 a.m.
Location
Johnson Memorial Library
116 W. High St., Hicksville, Ohio
Organizer
05feb10:30 a.m.Storytime at JML
Event Details
Storytime for ages 0-6 will take place at Hicksville’s Johnson Memorial Library on February 5, 12, 19, & 26 and March 5 & 12 at 10:30AM. Join us for stories,
Event Details
Storytime for ages 0-6 will take place at Hicksville’s Johnson Memorial Library on February 5, 12, 19, & 26 and March 5 & 12 at 10:30AM. Join us for stories, rhymes, and crafts. No registration is needed.
Time
February 5, 2025 10:30 a.m.
Location
Johnson Memorial Library
116 W. High St., Hicksville, Ohio
Organizer
12feb10:30 a.m.Storytime at JML
Event Details
Storytime for ages 0-6 will take place at Hicksville’s Johnson Memorial Library on February 5, 12, 19, & 26 and March 5 & 12 at 10:30AM. Join us for stories,
Event Details
Storytime for ages 0-6 will take place at Hicksville’s Johnson Memorial Library on February 5, 12, 19, & 26 and March 5 & 12 at 10:30AM. Join us for stories, rhymes, and crafts. No registration is needed.
Time
February 12, 2025 10:30 a.m.
Location
Johnson Memorial Library
116 W. High St., Hicksville, Ohio
Organizer
18feb4:00 p.m.6:00 p.m.Lego Fun
Event Details
Join us at Sherwood Branch Library for Lego Fun from 4:00-6:00 PM on the following dates (3rd Tuesday of each month):November 19 December 17 January 21February 18March 18April 15May 20All
Event Details
Join us at Sherwood Branch Library for Lego Fun from 4:00-6:00 PM on the following dates (3rd Tuesday of each month):
November 19
December 17
January 21
February 18
March 18
April 15
May 20
All ages welcome. No registration needed.
Time
February 18, 2025 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Location
Sherwood Branch Library
117 N. Harrison Street
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
Organizer
19feb10:30 a.m.Storytime at JML
Event Details
Storytime for ages 0-6 will take place at Hicksville’s Johnson Memorial Library on February 5, 12, 19, & 26 and March 5 & 12 at 10:30AM. Join us for stories,
Event Details
Storytime for ages 0-6 will take place at Hicksville’s Johnson Memorial Library on February 5, 12, 19, & 26 and March 5 & 12 at 10:30AM. Join us for stories, rhymes, and crafts. No registration is needed.
Time
February 19, 2025 10:30 a.m.
Location
Johnson Memorial Library
116 W. High St., Hicksville, Ohio
Organizer
22feb10:00 a.m.12:00 p.m.PlayDough Party
Event Details
Come and create your masterpieces with PlayDough! PlayDough Party is taking place on the fourth Saturday of each month (Oct. 26, Nov. 23, Dec. 28, Jan. 25, Feb. 22, March
Event Details
Come and create your masterpieces with PlayDough! PlayDough Party is taking place on the fourth Saturday of each month (Oct. 26, Nov. 23, Dec. 28, Jan. 25, Feb. 22, March 22, April 26, May 24) from 10AM-noon at Sherwood Branch Library. Open to all ages that love to squish and sculpt with dough! No registration needed.
Time
February 22, 2025 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location
Sherwood Branch Library
117 N. Harrison Street
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
Organizer
25feb4:00 p.m.5:00 p.m.Lego Club at JML
Event Details
Come build with us! Lego Club will take place at Johnson Memorial Library from 4:00-5:00PM on the last Tuesday of each month. No registration needed! Geared to ages 7-12.
Event Details
Come build with us! Lego Club will take place at Johnson Memorial Library from 4:00-5:00PM on the last Tuesday of each month. No registration needed! Geared to ages 7-12.
Time
February 25, 2025 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Location
Johnson Memorial Library
116 W. High St., Hicksville, Ohio
Organizer
26feb10:30 a.m.Storytime at JML
Event Details
Storytime for ages 0-6 will take place at Hicksville’s Johnson Memorial Library on February 5, 12, 19, & 26 and March 5 & 12 at 10:30AM. Join us for stories,
Event Details
Storytime for ages 0-6 will take place at Hicksville’s Johnson Memorial Library on February 5, 12, 19, & 26 and March 5 & 12 at 10:30AM. Join us for stories, rhymes, and crafts. No registration is needed.
Time
February 26, 2025 10:30 a.m.
Location
Johnson Memorial Library
116 W. High St., Hicksville, Ohio