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Early Explorers in the Park

Best for ages 2 through 5

October 7 at 10:30 AM -- UPDATE: Program canceled due to weather: We will gather our youngest learners at Windom Park to get our wiggles out and make music. Our Youth Services staff has activities planned that will not only be fun for your child but also help them to build early literacy and fine motor skills. No registration required.

Those who attend are asked to please respect distancing boundaries of others so we can all enjoy the morning together. Because these events are outdoors, they are dependent upon the weather. Please check our social media pages for any updates.

All participants who attend agree to the City of Winona's Waiver of Liability Policy.

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Six Skills of Early Literacy with Miss Tricia

Posted on our Social Media, every Wednesday morning in September at 10:30 AM

Skill #1: Letter Knowledge

Our first video in the series talks about letter knowledge and how to practice the skill at home! To view the resources mentioned, visit https://winona.lib.mn.us/youth/letter-knowledge/.

Letter knowledge is knowing that the same letter can look different, as well as knowing that each letter makes a sound. When putting the letter sounds together, children are able to “sound out” the full word. This is a foundational skill needed for reading full words and sentences.

Skill #2: Vocabulary

Our second video in the series talks about vocabulary and how to practice the skill at home! To view the resources mentioned, visit https://winona.lib.mn.us/youth/vocabulary/.

Vocabulary can be described in its most basic sense as “learning new words.” Words and their meanings are a foundation for literacy development and reading comprehension. It’s kind of like the old adage, “You have to learn to walk before you can run.”

Skill #3: Phonological Awareness

Our third video in the series talks about phonological awareness and how to practice the skill at home! To view the resources mentioned, visit https://winona.lib.mn.us/youth/phonological-awareness/.

Phonological awareness is the awareness of speech sounds, such as rhyming and syllables.

Skills #4 & 5: Print Motivation and Print Awareness

Our fourth video in the series talks about print motivation & print awareness, and how to practice these skills at home! To view resources mentioned, visit https://winona.lib.mn.us/youth/print-motivation-and-print-awareness.

Print motivation is a child's interest in and enjoyment of books and reading. Print awareness is the understanding that print and oral language carries meaning.

Skill #6: Narrative

Our fifth video in the series talks about narrative skills and how to practice them at home! To view resources mentioned, visit https://winona.lib.mn.us/youth/narrative-skills/.

Narrative skills are a child’s ability to tell a story and understand how they work.

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Teen Take-Home Kits

Youth ages 10-18 are invited to register below for one or both take-home kits. Each kit includes materials to complete a unique craft. Once registered, you will be contacted regarding pickup instructions for each kit. You may register for one or both kits.

October 6: Make your own water bead stress ball!

October 21: Mummy luminary–Get into the spooky season by making a mummy luminary!

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No-School-Day Activity Kit

October 21 beginning at 10 AM

Looking for something to do on the kids’ day off from school? Drop by the library to get a take-home activity kit! Each kit includes materials and instructions needed to complete a craft. These are intended for ages 6 through 12. It is a drop-in, take-home kit pickup at the library. No registration is required. Kits available while supplies last.

October 21 beginning at 10 AM: Stamping–Create a unique stamp using styrofoam and markers! Bonus activity: Air dry clay to stamp with things at home or craft a new masterpiece!

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How to Spot Nature’s Alien Invaders

Friday, October 22 at 11 AM at Windom Park

Join Whitewater State Park naturalist, Sara Holger, to make your very own walking stick. Learn about invasive species and how you and your family can help slow the spread of these alien invaders when you are out hiking and exploring area parks and trails. At the end of our program, we will make walking sticks from European buckthorn, an invasive shrub found throughout Winona County.

Registration is required.

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Flippin’ for Books

November 8-13 at the Library

Please join the Winona Public Library for the 16th Annual Flippin' for Books event! Families are invited to drop in the Youth Services Department of the Library any day during the week of November 8 through 13 to pick up a take-home bag full of community resource information, early learning crafts, and a free book. Information and crafts are geared towards children ages birth through 6. Stay tuned on our Facebook or website for any updated information.

Please note that the library is closed on Thursday, November 11th, for Veterans Day.