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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday September 8, 2007 - 17 Every child should be ready to read Having been launched last September, the Oakville Public Library's Every Child Ready to Read (ECR2R) program has been helping children gain stronger reading skills, and teaching parents the proper tools along the way. Every Child Ready to Read is an awareness campaign introducing parents and caregivers to various ways of working with their kids and incorporating pre-reading skills, which have been proven invaluable to a child's early development. Every Child Ready to Read criterion has been incorporated into all of the library's children's services, including: preschool programming, a free parent guide, the library's web site, and staff training. Did you know that there are six skills a child needs to develop before age five to be able to read well? Those skills are: print motivation, letter knowledge, phonological awareness, narrative skills, print awareness and vocabulary. You can help your child learn these skills ­ starting at birth. Research has shown that the early years (birth to age six) are crucial for brain development. Since the launch of Every Child Ready to Read, participants have indicated that they have learned several new skills themselves, according to Sharon Yates, Children's Advocate for the Oakville Public Library. They indicate that they've learned how to use rhymes more frequently with their children, they've visited the library more often and have commented on the new learning activities and different ideas for play at home. "It's an awareness campaign introducing parents and caregivers ­ those who play a vital role in a child's early learning ­ to the hundreds of fun easy ways to explore and experience pre-reading skills," says Yates, who adds that future goals include partnerships with other organizations in the community to take the ECR2R message to customers who are not traditional library users. Every Child Ready to Read is a joint project of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and the American Library Association. Every Child Ready to Read was created after years of research into early literacy. To learn more, pick up a free Parent Guide at any library branch, talk to a staff member or visit www.opl.on.ca/ecr2r.php. -- Submitted by the Oakville Public Library. learning A NEW LANGUAGE IS EASIER THAN YOU THINK Bring this ad and save 10% off the cost of your program! For well over a century, Berlitz has been the first name in language learning. Our Method®, our instructors and our materials are unparalleled by any other language training organization in Canada to bring you real results. Our Mississauga language centre offers both group and private programs. CALL NOW TO REGISTER FOR OUR FALL SESSIONS. Discover the Berlitz difference Mississauga Language Centre | 905.272.5111 www.berlitz.ca REVITALIZING FITNESS BY GETTING BACK TO BASICS! GIVE YOUR MIND AND BODY THE ULTIMATE FITNESS EXPERIENCE Now In Oakville Next Session Begins September 17th - Beginner to advanced athletic training - Beautiful outside settings - Large indoor facilities - 3 or 5 day a week programs available Enlist Online Or Call 905.802.3754