im·ag·i·na·tion (noun) - the ability to form a picture in your mind of something that you have not seen or experienced

Creativity and thinking outside of the box begin with imagination. It fosters cognitive and social development through experimentation, creative problem solving and critical thinking. Imagination also builds social-emotional development which will, in turn, build children’s confidence.

To maximize these benefits, extend the storytime experience by engaging in imaginative and creative play with children based on stories, songs and fingerplays heard in storytime:

• Read books that relate to the storytime theme.
• Talk about the books you read and discuss new vocabulary introduced in the story.
• Sing songs that related to the stories you read or familiar nursery rhymes.
• Write down a story that your child makes up, make a book and read it together.
• Play with toys to help children remember what they have read.

Virtual storytimes are currently offered for toddlers and preschoolers. Search “storytime” in the online events calendar and filter by “digital programs” to find out when they premiere on FCPL’s YouTube channel and Facebook page.