Early Learning through Play

This creative guidebook teaches librarians in diverse communities how to develop and implement early learning programming beyond traditional storytimes. 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.

Kristin Grabarek, Mary R. Lanni

One Introduction What Is Early Learning? Public Library's Role in Early Learning Every Child Ready to Read (ECRR1 and ECRR2) @ Your Library About Us Learning through Play How Play Supports the Rest of ECRR2 Participants in a Traditional Storytime In Defense of Storytimes A Play-Based Learning Alternative In Summary Two Creating an Early Learning Program Series Original Creation of Play-Based Early Learning Programs Little University: A Note on Kristin's Library Community Family Literacy: A Note on Mary's Library Community Considerations for Creating Play-Based Programs in Your Library Cultural Awareness Marketing Word of Mouth Print Collateral Following Up Scheduling Building a Core Group of Participants How to Structure the Program Series How the Program Supports Social-Emotional Skills The Importance of Learning Together One Last Note In Summary Your To-Do List Three Implementing the Program Series with a Budget The Conundrum of Free Things Your Program Series Reflects Your Community How to Approach Community Partners Developing Programs with Community Partners Movement Programs STEM Programs Art Programs Health and Nutrition Programs Wellness Programs In Summary Your To-Do List Four Early Learning Programs for Tiny or Nonexistent Budgets Tiny Budgets as an Opportunity DIY Programming Examples and Resources Movement Programs Art and Craft Programs Community Programs and Destination Storytimes STEM Programs Wellness Programs Language and Cultural Programs In Summary Your To-Do List Five Conclusion Where We Are Now Maintaining Relevance What to Do Next? Looking Ahead: How to Continue Building Your Program Early Learning Progress Report Surveys and Incentives Little University for Grown-Ups Kindergarten Readiness Checklist Graduation In Summary Appendix A: Elevator Speeches Appendix B: Need to DIY? Twenty Titles to Build an Early Learning Program Series Reference Collection Appendix C: Program Flyer Template Bibliography Index