Early Learning

Preschool Programming

TALK SOUP PLAYGROUP
Mondays at 10:30am, drop in, geared for ages 0-5 but all ages are welcome
Swap Stories and meet other families. Children develop social skills, cooperative play, adaptive skills, progressive learning and sensory play. Sing, read stories, and play with a different selection of toys and activities each week.

BUILDING BLOCKS KINDERGARTEN READINESS
Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11am, registration required, ages 3-5
Register for the Summer Session. Calling all preschoolers! Welcome to our FREE Building Blocks Kindergarten Readiness Program! In this 10-week program we will meet twice a week, Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 11am, and focus on the academic and social skills your child will need to enter Kindergarten. Each week will focus on a different theme and follow the Every Child Ready to Read guidelines which includes talking, singing, writing, reading and play. We will begin each class with a circle time where we will read, sing songs and participate in group building activities. After our circle time enjoy a variety of learning stations based on our theme that week. This program requires registration and once registered you will be signed up for all 10 weeks. Space is limited to 12 students. This program is for 3-5 year olds and caregivers are required to stay the duration of the program. Please reach out with any questions. We are so happy to offer an alternative to our preschool age parents and look forward to helping your child learn and grow!

TINY TINKERS
Fridays at 10:30am, drop in, geared for ages 2-5 but all ages are welcome
A fun class incorporating nature and science-themed books with interactive experiments and STEAM-based activities. This class introduces basic math, science, technology, art and music concepts that help preschool children develop the skills necessary for success in school. Be prepared to paint, use Playdough and get a little messy!

Check the calendar for early learning special events each month!

Early Learning Services

1000 BOOKS BEFORE KINDERGARTEN
On behalf of the 1,000 Books Foundation, we invite you to participate in this free program which encourages you to read 1,000 books with your child before he or she starts kindergarten.
Click here for program information.
Sign up here!

EARLY LEARNING STATIONS
We have three Early Learning Stations in our children’s room. Originally made possible by the generous support of the Friends of the Greenwich Free Library and the estate of William Skiff, we have been able to update two to the newest version thanks to Marie Grimes memorial donations and the continued generosity of the Friends.

The computers for children ages 1-10 feature 50 educational game applications. The games and programs are age-appropriate, engaging, academically relevant games for children. The stations have colorful keyboards and tiny mice to promote easy learning and discovery.

The game software covers seven curricular areas: reading, math, science, social studies, writing, arts and music, and reference. The system is designed to attract and educate toddlers through early elementary school ages.

A few of the educational software titles are: Millies Math House; JumpStart Toddler, PreSchool, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, etc.; Stationary Studio; Math Doodles; Just Grandma & Me; Giggles Toddler ABC’s and 123’s; Giggles Toddler My Musical World; Dora the Explorer and Sesame Street.

The ELS’s have imaginative interfaces that encourage exploration. Many of the games contain disguised learning activities that expand the child’s experience through games and extension activities.

The Advanced Workstations in Education Early Learning Stations are used in over 35% of public libraries across the United States and Canada. In New York, 97 libraries own the stations. Elementary schools, Head Start centers, after school programs, and childcare facilities are adding ELS’s to their programs.

Caregivers are encouraged to stop at the library to try out a game with their child. Headphones are available for both child and caregiver. Color printing of your child’s creations is available.

EARLY LEARNING BACKPACKS
Did you know you can check out our early learning backpacks at the library? Each backpack has a different theme like farm animals or colors and contain a few books, puzzles and toys that relate to the theme. Check them out just like a book to take home and enjoy!

BOOKS BY THE BAG
Each bag contains 10 picture books so when caregivers are in a rush they can grab a bag and check it out to take home.