Title: Early Literacy Practices

Day of the week/Time: Saturday, 1-2:30, 2 times a year

Audience: Caregivers of children ages 0-5 years. Their children are welcome to attend.

Goals: Caregivers will know the five early literacy practices and the importance of implementing them with their children. Participants will be able to identify activities that support each early literacy practice. Participants will know resources inside and outside the library that support these practices.

Reasoning for Training: Caregivers may not be aware of activities that support children ages 0-5 in learning early literacy skills. This training will provide an introduction, so caregivers are aware of what the skills are, what activities are associated with the skills, why they are important, and how the library can help support them.

Curriculum: The instructor will introduce the five early literacy practices (talking, singing, reading, writing, playing) and explain why they are important to help children develop early literacy skills. Examples of the practices will be provided for children ages birth-5. Resources to help caregivers learn about the practices and how to implement them with their children will be reviewed. Participants will work in small groups to match activities to the early literacy practice it corresponds with and brainstorm two more activities for each early literacy practice. There will be 20 minutes at the end to ask the instructor questions and explore materials. Children will attend a session that has crafts, games, and toys that is led by 2 volunteers. Snacks will be provided for children and adults. At the end of the session caregivers and their child will pick a book to take home.

Supplies: Handout that describes the five early literacy practices, why they are important, and activities that support the practice. Handout with resources inside and outside the library that support early literacy practices. Post it notes with the early literacy practices and activities for the matching activity. Books, music, and toys for children ages 0-5 that support early literacy practices. Books and CDs from library collection that participants can check out. Craft supplies, games, and toys for children. Snacks.

Staff: 1 youth librarian. 2 volunteers

Community Partners: Friends of the Library

Budget: $150 for snacks, craft supplies, and giveaway books. The $100 for the giveaway books is provided by a donation from the Friends of the Library.

Photo Credit: Parke, A. Raise a reader [Drawing]. Retrieved from http://www.alexparke.com/portfolio/anxiety/