Learn To Read

Every Child Ready to Read

So many great books!

From the moment children are born, they are like sponges absorbing the information in the world around them. At the library, we incorporate the research-based practices of Every Child Ready to Read in each and every storytime. And most importantly, you can talk, sing, read, write, and play with your child in your very own home and help them build the foundation they will need to become readers. It’s never too late or too early to start these five simple practices to help your children develop crucial early literacy skills!

Here’s Why

1. Talk: Talking with children helps them learn oral language, one of the most critical early literacy skills. Children learn about language by listening to parents talk and joining in the conversation.
2. Sing: Singing develops language skills. Slows down language so children can hear the different sounds in words. Helps children learn new words and information.
3. Read: Reading together develops vocabulary and comprehension, nurtures a love for reading, and motivates children to want to learn to read.
4. Write: Children become aware that printed letters stand for spoken words as they see print used in their daily lives.
5. Play: Play is one of the best ways for children to learn language and literacy skills. They learn about language through playing as the activities help them put thoughts into words and talk about what they are doing.

Library Storytimes and More

  • Storytime schedule
  • Playspace
  • StorytimeTV on Chelmsford Telemedia
    Watch staff from the public library and public schools read picture books on The Chelmsford Library’s TV show. Tune into Chelmsford Telemedia every evening at 7:00 pm for stories on the Educational Channels: Comcast 22 or Verizon 36. There are times that live programming may be shown rather than the stories. Tune in again the next evening, or check CTM’s online schedule.

Chelmsford StoryWalk

A self-guided nature trail with picture book pages along the way, for ages 2 and up. The StoryWalk is available dawn to dusk and is located at Sunny Meadow Community Garden. New stories are added every season!

Great Websites for Early Literacy