Local nonprofit, Make Way for Books, is working creatively to make sure children and families in Tucson and beyond stay connected through stories. Make Way for Books provides early literacy programs and resources for thousands of young children each year. Due to the current social-distancing and shelter-at-home orders in effect, Make Way for Books’ office is temporarily closed and in-person programs have been postponed. However, the nonprofit is creating new ways to connect and support our community virtually.
Make Way for Books App
With the Make Way for Books App children and families can access quality children’s books and activities right on their phone and tablet — anytime, anywhere. Make Way for Books just released additional electronic children’s books, videos, activities, and engagement for young children and families. Books and activities on the Make Way for Books App are available in English and Spanish. Additionally, families gain access to book recommendations and corresponding literacy activities and reading tips. In partnership with Pima County Public Library, families are able to find our top recommended books at their nearest library.
The Make Way for Books App is now available in Arizona and worldwide, free for Android (bit.ly/33DhMQb ) and Apple (apple.co/2UrFivc) devices.
According to Dorothy Johnson, MD, FAAP, Educator Representative, First Things First Pima North Regional Partnership Council, “I’ve been exploring the Make Way for Books App and find it remarkable. Its Do and Discuss tips provide literally finger-tip expertise in engaging children with words. It’s wonderful to have stories on the app that can be read to a child while waiting for an appointment, and listing the library locations of recommended books feels like receiving a personal invitation to the neighborhood library…”
Make Way for Books Online Storytime
Make Way for Books started a bilingual (English and Spanish) online storytime for young children and families. Each morning we share books, songs, movement, and tips for children (ages birth to five) and families. Nearly 400 individuals from Tucson, Arizona, and around the world have joined the group in just one week. More families join Make Way for Books’ virtual programming every day and we are seeing the importance of books, stories, and connection in these challenging times. “Thank you so much for [being] there, helping our days to be happy among all this. Thank you Make Way for Books,” shared Angelica Morris, a participating parent in the online storytime group. Families with young children can join here: facebook.com/groups/makewayforbooks
