By Max Marbut
Staff Writer
The Jacksonville Public Library offers programs and services for all ages. When it comes to the younger end of the age scale, the library’s list of services begins at infancy.
Programs for that age group are based on storytimes, which include a facilitator reading a book and the group singing songs and participating in art activities related to the stories that are read.
One of the more popular storytimes among children and their caregivers is American Sign Language Storytime at the Main Library Downtown. The idea for the program grew out of a class held last summer for City employees who wanted to learn ASL to enhance customer service for the deaf community.
Stacy Taylor is a certified Signing Time instructor and a regular at ASL Storytime with her 20-month-old son, Sean. She said using sign language supports early brain development and enhances memory retention. That can lead to improved literacy skills when a child is old enough to read books.
“Signing Time” is a weekly television program that is broadcast on PBS station WJCT’s digital channels and on Comcast. It’s designed to teach children ASL.
Taylor said she started signing with her son when he was 3 months old. He started signing back three months later to communicate his preference for a snack.
“He told me he wanted a banana instead of the apple I was serving him,” said Taylor.
“What got me excited about signing to very young children was when a 1-year-old signed and told me she wanted to read another book,” said Stephanie Miller, a children’s librarian who leads the ASL Storytime.
“Even when children are too young to properly sign, they can understand and begin to communicate. Signing also helps children develop dexterity and build vocabulary,” she said.
ASL Storytime lasts about 30 minutes, including simultaneously reading and signing stories and learning simple songs. Two or more new signs are introduced at each session to the children and their caregivers.
After the stories and songs, the children participate in arts and crafts activities in the Children’s Library.
“We connect multiple elements of the learning process. Storytime develops verbal and motor skills and art adds the visual element,” said Miller.
Miller said the Main Library and the neighborhood branch libraries offer storytime programs for different age groups from birth-19 months.
For more information and schedules, visit www.jpl.coj.net.
356-2466