Early Learning through Play: Library Programming for Diverse Communities available in Paperback, eBook
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Early Learning through Play: Library Programming for Diverse Communities
- ISBN-10:
- 1440865825
- ISBN-13:
- 9781440865824
- Pub. Date:
- 03/13/2019
- Publisher:
- Bloomsbury Academic
- ISBN-10:
- 1440865825
- ISBN-13:
- 9781440865824
- Pub. Date:
- 03/13/2019
- Publisher:
- Bloomsbury Academic
![Early Learning through Play: Library Programming for Diverse Communities](http://img.images-bn.com/static/redesign/srcs/images/grey-box.png?v11.9.4)
Early Learning through Play: Library Programming for Diverse Communities
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$50.00Overview
While traditional library storytimes are excellent tools for families, equally important is play. Children learn through play in many ways; it stimulates exploration and curiosity and builds gross and fine motor skills that are critical to reading and writing success. Perhaps most importantly, play has the power to cross barriers of culture and language, allowing families from differing backgrounds to learn together.
In this book, Kristin Grabarek and Mary R. Lanni—the pioneers of Little University, an early learning program that focuses on play-based learning—share their experiences and provide guidance for implementing similar programs at libraries of various sizes and budgets. They teach readers how to create programs for a diverse group of families, work with outside providers, choose supplies, estimate costs, market your programming, and overcome the challenges of both big and small budgets and many or few patrons. These practical plans will enhance storytimes and even help build a brand-new early learning program.
Product Details
ISBN-13: | 9781440865824 |
---|---|
Publisher: | Bloomsbury Academic |
Publication date: | 03/13/2019 |
Pages: | 180 |
Product dimensions: | 6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.38(d) |
About the Author
Mary R. Lanni is a library professional in Denver, Colorado, providing library and programming services for all ages for more than five years.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction 1
What Is Early Learning? 1
Public Library's Role in Early Learning 3
Every Child Ready to Read (ECRR1 and ECRR2) @ Your Library 5
About Us 10
Learning through Play 10
How Play Supports the Rest of ECRR2 12
Participants in a Traditional Storytime 14
In Defense of Story times 18
A Play-Based Learning Alternative 18
In Summary 19
2 Creating an Early Learning Program Series 21
Original Creation of Play-Based Early Learning Programs 21
Little University: A Note on Kristin's Library Community 21
Family Literacy: A Note on Mary's Library Community 24
Considerations for Creating Play-Based Programs in Your Library 27
Cultural Awareness 27
Marketing 28
Word of Mouth 28
Print Collateral 30
Following Up 30
Scheduling 31
Building a Core Group of Participants 32
How to Structure the Program Series 33
How the Program Supports Social-Emotional Skills 37
The Importance of Learning Together 38
One Last Note 38
In Summary 40
Your To-Do List 40
3 Implementing the Program Series with a Budget 43
The Conundrum of Free Things 43
Your Program Series Reflects Your Community 45
How to Approach Community Partners 45
Developing Programs with Community Partners 46
Movement Programs 47
STEM Programs 59
Art Programs 68
Health and Nutrition Programs 77
Wellness Programs 85
In Summary 93
Your To-Do List 94
4 Early Learning Programs for Tiny or Nonexistent Budgets 95
Tiny Budgets as an Opportunity 96
D1Y Programming Examples and Resources 96
Movement Programs 96
Art and Craft Programs 102
Community Programs and Destination Storytimes 108
STEM Programs 122
Wellness Programs 129
Language and Cultural Programs 137
In Summary 139
Your To-Do List 139
5 Conclusion 141
Where We Are Now 143
Maintaining Relevance 145
What to Do Next? 147
Looking Ahead: How to Continue Building Your Program 148
Early Learning Progress Report 148
Surveys and Incentives 149
Little University for Grown-Ups 149
Kindergarten Readiness Checklist 150
Graduation 151
In Summary 152
Appendix A Elevator Speeches 155
Appendix B Need to DTY? Twenty Titles to Build an Early Learning Program Series Reference Collection 157
Appendix C Program Flyer Template 159
Bibliography 163
Index 165
What People are Saying About This
"Are you looking to launch a play-based early learning program at your library or simply add a few extension activities to storytime? This book offers many inexpensive and innovative ideas with step-by-step instructions. Whether you are an experienced program librarian or new to youth services, you can easily bring thoughtful and intentional playtime to your community’s young families."
"Joyfulness, insight, compassion, and dedication are the terms that come to mind after reading Early Learning through Play. As a guide for librarians, this book is more than just a recipe or handbook; it is an inspiring and pragmatic approach to the public librarian’s role of nurturing the love of reading and play in all communities and with a respect for cultural differences."
"To play is serious business, and the cognitive implications that come along with it are far-reaching and key elements to a successful transition into the formal realm of education in the classroom. Not only have Kristin Grabarek and Mary R. Lanni created a tool that will impress upon librarians the science behind and the need for play-based learning, but they have gone so far as to create a detailed list of potential programs to implement in the library setting and beyond. This book is nothing short of a revolutionary tool that will educate, inspire and equip librarians to level-up their programming and make an even bigger difference in the communities in which they serve."
"This book is a terrific new resource for play-based programming. Since children learn best through play, and play is an Every Child Ready to Read best practice, this comprehensive book is invaluable for children’s librarians. Play-based rather than reading-based, these inventive and entertaining programs are recommended as an addition to traditional storytimes rather than as a replacement. They are designed to appeal to all audiences including wiggly children, immigrant and refugee families, grandparents, children with special needs, dads, affluent parents, working parents, engaged parents, and families living in poverty. This wonderful resource fills a need for children’s librarians who seek to continue the democratic mission of the public library."