Getting Started with Early Literacy

Today, I had my first run at operating the Alaska OWL (Online With Libraries) system. I didn't have to sent anything up for myself, so it was actually very easy; just turned on the monitor and the teleconferencing system automatically connected when the time came to meet.

Myself and the other VISTAs were able to get a training from Linda Klein, from the Ready to Read Resource Center in Anchorage. (If you follow that link, there is some good information about what the center does and what kinds of materials it can loan out.) We all checked in as to our progress on different projects, and since I am just starting out, I again was able to benefit by learning what the other VISTAs have done before me.

Currently, there is not a story time program running at the Coffman Cove Library, though there has been one in the past. There is a good sized collection of children's books, but nothing comparable to the literacy kits described here. 

Here are the notes that I gathered from the training:

Early Literacy Kits

• These kits contain a variety of materials that can be used in the library or taken home for parents and children to play and read together, with a focus on enhancing early literacy.
• When creating the kits, it is important to ask "what is the goal?" In other words, what is the library hoping to achieve in offering them? What age groups are being reached, etc.
• Each kit will typically have a theme, and I was able to get a good list of different themes from the Resource Center website listed above. For example, some themes listed for the lapsit (0-3 years) kits are Alaskan Animals, Beach, Potty Training, and Things That Go.
• Think about who will be using the kit when figuring out what books and themes should go in the kits. Younger children will need different things from their books that older children. Also take into consideration that the kits are designed for parent and child to sit together.
• "It's not just reading that improves literacy, it's reading together." 

What is in a kit?

• A bag, preferably with a zipper, with return information for the library and a code to check the item out.
• A laminated table of contents, which will help both library staff/volunteers and parents to know what should go into the kit. 
• Books- with consideration given to the age range and reading levels. Younger kids might have 5-6 books, possibly board books for the 0-3 range. Kits for older kids may have more books, 8-12.  Informational books can be integrated in with story books if they are age appropriate.
• CDs with music- again, things that are age appropriate and something that parents may enjoy listening and singing to with their children.
• Resources for parents to keep- a list of activities or ideas, nursery rhymes to sing with their kids, etc.  

Promoting Early Literacy Materials

• If the library has an online presence, this can be used to promote.
• If the library has a story time or similar program, using materials from the kits can help increase awareness.
• Make sure that volunteers are aware of the kits so that they can be recommending them.
• Word of mouth is the best way for people to learn about utilizing kits.

 Resources to Investigate

• Melissa and Doug- ideas about pairing toys with books
• Lakeshore Learning- educational toys and materials
• Folkmanis- for puppets