The series, entitled “Ready to Read, Ready to Succeed,” begins Thursday with Six Skills by Six Years, presented by Kathy McLellan of the Johnson County Library. The session will focus on six skills researchers have identified as six basic skills parents and caregivers can help develop in their children. The session will focus on those six skills and provide suggestions for activities and practices that encourage their development while keeping it fun. Recommendations for books also will be included.

On Thursday, April 14, Bradley Debrick with the Johnson County Library will show participants a variety of storybooks that can be used to apply the six skills discussed during the previous session.

Julianne Newberry with the Tonganoxie Public Library and Nicole Oelschlaeger with the Linwood Community Library will discuss healthful habits on Thursday, April 21. Newberry and Oelschlaeger will present information on the new food pyramid, healthy snacks and active play. Recommended websites and children’s books emphasizing healthful habits will be provided.

On Thursday, April 28, the series will conclude with social emotional teaching and parenting strategies, presented by Shari Williams with the Family Conservancy. The session will focus on effective strategies for teaching social-emotional skills to young children. It’s also of special benefit to preschool workers, as it carries approval for continuing education credit from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

Each session will be 6-7:30 p.m. on the next four Thursdays at the Linwood Community Library, 19649 Linwood Rd. For more information, or to register, call (913) 301-3686.