Babies & Books 📚🍎 Tiny Voices, Big Stories: Learn about Language & Literacy
​Babies & Books 📚🍎 Tiny Voices, Big Stories: Learn about Language & Literacy
​This interactive parent–child session blends cozy storytime with practical parent education on early communication, speech development, and pre-literacy foundations. Together, we’ll explore how everyday moments can become powerful opportunities for connection, communication, and learning.
​Hosted virtually on Zoom, this session makes storytime accessible to anyone — whether you’re across the world or cozy at home. Perfect for parents-to-be, caregivers, and families with babies and children up to 5 years old, this class offers a safe, supportive space to read, sing, play, and grow together.
​Parents and caregivers will observe modeled language-building techniques, participate in interactive reading and play, and learn simple, practical strategies to nurture speech, vocabulary, and early literacy in daily routines.
​📖 Theme: Thanksgiving & Gratitude
​Each Babies & Books session features a special theme to align with the season and spark meaningful conversation and connection. This month, we’ll celebrate Thanksgiving & Gratitude — exploring stories that nurture kindness, appreciation, and thankfulness in little hearts. Together, we’ll share moments of joy, reflection, and connection as families and caregivers.
​Think of it as a private tutoring session between parent and child, designed to strengthen early communication skills and nurture meaningful moments of learning together.
​🕒 Event Timeline
​Welcome, Expectations & Purpose
A warm welcome and overview of the session’s goals.​Interactive Storytime #1
Enjoy guided storytime with movement, rhythm, and modeled language-building techniques.​Pre-Literacy & Speech Development Overview
Learn about key milestones, modeling language, and creating a language-rich environment.​Red Flags & Resources
Recognize early signs that may need professional support and where to find help.​Reflection, Close & Final Takeaways
Integrate what you’ve learned with mindful reflection and discussion.​Q&A
Open time for questions, sharing, and connection with the host.
​✨ You’ll Learn How To:
​Identify key speech and language milestones for infants and young children
​Apply strategies to support early communication and pre-literacy skills
​Practice interactive storytime and language activities with your child
​Integrate language-building routines into daily life
​Recognize when to seek speech-language support for your child
​🧸 Who It’s For
​Parents-to-be, caregivers, and little learners (newborn to 5 years old). No prior experience needed — just bring curiosity, comfort, and your child’s favorite book or blanket!
​👩‍🏫 Meet the Host
​This session is led by Madonna Lazo-Smith, M.A. CCC-SLP, a bilingual (English–Tagalog) speech-language pathologist with over ten years of experience helping children and families strengthen communication and connection. Her work centers on empowering parents and caregivers as their child’s first teachers through practical, research-based strategies.
​With specialized experience in early intervention and family-centered therapy, I’ve supported children with a wide range of communication needs across medical, educational, and private settings. Now as a mother of three and founder of my own private practice, I’m passionate about making learning engaging, meaningful, and accessible for every child. Follow her on instagram: @makinglearningspecial, and check out her website.
​💛 What to Expect
​Gentle, guided storytime with song and movement
​Play-based language and literacy activities
​Parent tips and take-home strategies for everyday use
​A warm, community space for connection and learning — wherever you are
​🎫 Choose Your Tier
​🍎 $20 – Professional Tier (Includes Continuing Education Units (CEUs) through The Nevada Registry, available for educators, preschool teachers, and administrators within Nevada’s early childhood education system.)
​🥛 $10 – Growth Tier (Supports future sessions and guest educator events.)
​👼 $5 – Gratitude Tier (Helps sustain community programs and storytime & education accessibility for more)
​🧸 $0 – Community Access (Join freely — for those requesting Community Access, please email [email protected] with the subject line “Babies & Books | Community Access Request” for approval)
​FAQ
​Q: Do I need any materials or books?
A: Just bring a favorite children’s book, a small blanket, and your little one! Everything else will be guided during the session.
​Q: Can I join if I’m expecting or don’t have a baby yet?
A: Absolutely! This class is perfect for parents-to-be to learn early communication strategies before baby arrives.
​Q: Will my child need to sit still?
A: Not at all. Movement, play, and exploration are encouraged — this is a relaxed and interactive session.
​Q: Is this event recorded?
A: To protect participant privacy, sessions are not recorded. Live attendance helps create a more personal and interactive experience.
​Q: How do I receive CEUs?
A: Educators and professionals in Nevada’s early childhood education system who register for the $20 tier will receive a certificate for CEU credit through The Nevada Registry.
​Q: Can I attend from outside Nevada or the U.S.?
A: Yes! The event is hosted virtually on Zoom and open to families and educators anywhere in the world.
​Babies & Books is part of The Bump Lounge — a nurturing online space for mamas-to-be and beyond 🫶 From wellness to community to expert talks, here to hold space for every stage of your pregnancy and beyond. Hosted by House of Honey Belle.