If you’ve ever watched a preschooler turn a cardboard box into a spaceship, listen to the same song 17 times in a row, or host a tea party for their stuffed animals, you’ve seen something magical in action: learning through play! At the Aurora Public Library District (APLD), we celebrate these moments of curiosity, creativity, and boundless energy every day, and we want caregivers to know how beneficial play is to their child’s learning. This is why we’ve teamed up with SPARK Aurora for our Ready for Kindergarten Playgroup at Santori Library. This program series offers young children a chance to learn, play, and grow together while building kindergarten-ready skills well before their first day of school.
While the blocks, crafts, and games may steal the spotlight, the playgroup is powered by SPARK (Strong, Prepared, and Ready for Kindergarten), a community initiative with Fox Valley United Way. SPARK is committed to helping Aurora families give their youngest learners the best possible start. Through resources, support, and early learning opportunities, SPARK helps turn everyday moments of play into building blocks for future success. “SPARK staff are passionate about what they do!” said APLD early literacy specialist, Gretchen. “They make really sweet connections with the kids and caregivers, which makes for a really enriching program.”
During the program, families can expect both free-play and guided learning opportunities, crafts, and classroom-style play experiences inspired by DuPage Children’s Museum’s activities. The atmosphere is intentionally relaxed, giving children and caregivers a chance to learn side by side. “It’s fun, engaging, and starts teaching kiddos what a classroom environment is, in a more casual, relaxed setting with the comfort of a caregiver by their side,” added Gretchen.
And it’s not just children who benefit. “Parents also get to participate in playtime,” said Elementary school services coordinator, Mariana. “That might sound silly, but many parents struggle with how to play best with their children. SPARK staff facilitate easy hands-on activities that make playtime a blast.” The result is a room full of learning that doesn’t feel like learning at all, just families laughing, creating, exploring, and growing together.
In the end, kindergarten readiness is about helping children build confidence, communication skills, and a love of learning. And sometimes, it starts with a tower of blocks, a silly song, and a trip to play at the library. Ready for Kindergarten Playgroup meets at 11 a.m. on the first Tuesday of each month at Santori Library for children ages 0 – 5 and their caregivers. Learn more about the program at www.aurorapubliclibrary.org/events or give us a call at 630-264-4117. For more information about SPARK Aurora, visit www.foxvalleyunitedway.org/spark.
Andrea Tiberi is the communications coordinator for the Aurora Public Library District.