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Get Your Community Moving: Physical Literacy Programs for All Ages
By helping patrons view the library in a new way, movement-based programs bring new people into libraries, help promote community health, and stimulate literacy for children and adults alike. And the data show that they work: nearly 90% of public libraries said their movement-based programs had brought new users into their libraries, according to a recent study, while 80% said the programs contributed to community building. Carson, a professional yoga teacher who has been leading movement-based programs in schools, libraries, and museums for over a decade, presents a guidebook for serving library patrons of all ages, both mind and the body together. Filled with detailed strategies, proven program models, and real-life case studies, her book
* describes the concept of physical literacy and explains why it matters, using both research and library testimonials;
* shares tips for building enthusiasm among library staff, training, marketing, partnering with community organizations, and handling patron feedback;
* shows how to get started regardless of staffing or budget limitations, with hints for sneaking physical literacy into existing spaces and initiatives;
* includes programs for children and families, such as ABC Boom!, storytime fun runs, and a healthy nutrition lecture and tasting;
* outlines a Water Wars! party, a Quidditch match, an earth walk, and other programs that convert teens’ energy into healthy movement;
* demonstrates ways that adults can also get moving, from gym passes and walk/run clubs to ballroom dancing;
* guides libraries on involving special populations through outreach and inreach; and
* provides checklists for prep, teardown, tie-ins, and followup.
This book is essential reading for any programming librarian, administrator, or community coordinator looking to boost circulation stats, program numbers, literacy rates, and foster joy and wellness in their community.
* describes the concept of physical literacy and explains why it matters, using both research and library testimonials;
* shares tips for building enthusiasm among library staff, training, marketing, partnering with community organizations, and handling patron feedback;
* shows how to get started regardless of staffing or budget limitations, with hints for sneaking physical literacy into existing spaces and initiatives;
* includes programs for children and families, such as ABC Boom!, storytime fun runs, and a healthy nutrition lecture and tasting;
* outlines a Water Wars! party, a Quidditch match, an earth walk, and other programs that convert teens’ energy into healthy movement;
* demonstrates ways that adults can also get moving, from gym passes and walk/run clubs to ballroom dancing;
* guides libraries on involving special populations through outreach and inreach; and
* provides checklists for prep, teardown, tie-ins, and followup.
This book is essential reading for any programming librarian, administrator, or community coordinator looking to boost circulation stats, program numbers, literacy rates, and foster joy and wellness in their community.
160 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2018
1 person is currently reading
50 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
July 18, 2018
Get Your Community Moving is a great starting point for many who are looking to include physical literacy in programming.
The book, although filled with a great wealth of information, is easy to read and comprehend and many of the activities outlined in the pages are easily adjustable to suit a wide array of ages. There is a materials needed section and step by step instructions for all the activities listed, which takes the guess work out of planning for many.
I appreciate that the author doesn't just include the triumphs, but instead makes it a point to include parts of activities that didn't work or weren't well received by participants or community members.
I would highly recommend this book for those looking to incorporate physical literacy in their programming but aren't really sure where to start. From run clubs, to quidditch matches, to yoga, to dance parties and everything in between, there is surely something to inspire anyone who reads this book!
The book, although filled with a great wealth of information, is easy to read and comprehend and many of the activities outlined in the pages are easily adjustable to suit a wide array of ages. There is a materials needed section and step by step instructions for all the activities listed, which takes the guess work out of planning for many.
I appreciate that the author doesn't just include the triumphs, but instead makes it a point to include parts of activities that didn't work or weren't well received by participants or community members.
I would highly recommend this book for those looking to incorporate physical literacy in their programming but aren't really sure where to start. From run clubs, to quidditch matches, to yoga, to dance parties and everything in between, there is surely something to inspire anyone who reads this book!
June 17, 2018
There were some great tips and tricks and program ideas for physical literacy.
July 30, 2018
This book is outstanding and should be read by anyone who works with or for a community group. While explaining the meaning and benefits of physical literacy in an easy to understand and personal manner, it goes beyond by providing many feasible solutions and wonderful ideas for you to implement. The plans are detailed to be cost-effective, simple and sound so much fun to host so you'll want to do them all today!
Each idea has been tested by the author herself and is designed to be used for all ages, including modifications that can be made to welcome all abilities and interests.
Enjoy the personable educational read and start planning your next well-loved event!
Each idea has been tested by the author herself and is designed to be used for all ages, including modifications that can be made to welcome all abilities and interests.
Enjoy the personable educational read and start planning your next well-loved event!
July 20, 2021
While there are practical profiles of sample programs, the best part of this book for me was the affirmation for libraries hosting such programs as part of our core values. Whole health means corporeal as well as cerebral development. While I am not using this book as a workbook or guide per se, it was a great review and got the cogs turning for what I hope to offer in my community. And for the love of Pete, let's get away from our desks and up & moving!
March 6, 2019
Wonderful overview of physical literacy concepts and strategies. Great variety in program ideas for all age groups.
March 14, 2019
A Physical Literacy Librarian shows how to get a community as active as they are in literature as they should be for their own health.
She shares her own journey of how her own life and library experiences prepared her for this and how you can do the same.
She debunks myths about whether or not the librarian is "able" to do certain things like instruct Yoga (and how to address that too).
She also stresses, in addition to featuring program formulas, (including from multiple libraries) the importance of STAFF phyiscal literacy (for mental and physical well-being).
Each of the program formulas, whether they are Carson's creation or librarians from all over who have shared their success stories, shares how to get started, budget, planning, staffing, space, etc.
The easy big draw is for Early Literacy Specialists since they are already used to doing a lot of physical activity (both in the Branch's play area or in Storytime), but what about Teens, Staff, Adults, and Seniors? Don't worry, there are a TON of options for them too, and other ideas to get the creative ideas flowing.
There are a lot of ideas on how to tie into the community, whether through passive programming in the branch or through city events. The book also as I said before recognizes staff mental and physical wellness as well.
The programs range anywhere from Dance Parties, Tai Chi, A 5k, Dance Lessons for Adults, Yoga (there's a lot of different ways to do yoga and for every age), stuff for Seniors....and more
The programs aren't also just about physical literacy. There's a lot to also be said for mental wellness as well.
The book is good whether you are just starting out introducing these programs, a small-town library or have the ability to do MASSIVE events within your city or even library.
Check it out!
I definitely got a lot of ideas from this book (and I read a lot of books)
She shares her own journey of how her own life and library experiences prepared her for this and how you can do the same.
She debunks myths about whether or not the librarian is "able" to do certain things like instruct Yoga (and how to address that too).
She also stresses, in addition to featuring program formulas, (including from multiple libraries) the importance of STAFF phyiscal literacy (for mental and physical well-being).
Each of the program formulas, whether they are Carson's creation or librarians from all over who have shared their success stories, shares how to get started, budget, planning, staffing, space, etc.
The easy big draw is for Early Literacy Specialists since they are already used to doing a lot of physical activity (both in the Branch's play area or in Storytime), but what about Teens, Staff, Adults, and Seniors? Don't worry, there are a TON of options for them too, and other ideas to get the creative ideas flowing.
There are a lot of ideas on how to tie into the community, whether through passive programming in the branch or through city events. The book also as I said before recognizes staff mental and physical wellness as well.
The programs range anywhere from Dance Parties, Tai Chi, A 5k, Dance Lessons for Adults, Yoga (there's a lot of different ways to do yoga and for every age), stuff for Seniors....and more
The programs aren't also just about physical literacy. There's a lot to also be said for mental wellness as well.
The book is good whether you are just starting out introducing these programs, a small-town library or have the ability to do MASSIVE events within your city or even library.
Check it out!
I definitely got a lot of ideas from this book (and I read a lot of books)
December 21, 2018
I absolutely loved this book! I am a youth assistant in a public library and have an undergraduate degree in exercise science. This book is my dream! It has program ideas for all ages, including families, young children, teens, adults, retired individuals, and outreach opportunities. Jenn is excellent at reminding of the safety concerns (and how to minimize them), ways to adapt and improve programs), and how to cut costs while offering quality programming. I read this book cover to cover and was never bored. It was absolutely worth my time and now I feel inspired to teach my community about physical literacy!
August 13, 2019
Very helpful book for programming folks at libraries! My two biggest takeaways were the crazy number of people who sustain or become susceptible to injuries because of sitting too much at work. More than those who work construction and other dangerous jobs! That blows my mind and really cements the need for stretches during breaks and/or meetings AND some discussions with staff about taking care of their eyes and bodies during the work day. I also want to work with my team on stress relief.
This book gives very helpful and practical tips on starting and sustaining these programs. Definitely a book to pick up if you work in libraries, schools, or really just if you work with people!
This book gives very helpful and practical tips on starting and sustaining these programs. Definitely a book to pick up if you work in libraries, schools, or really just if you work with people!
May 28, 2021
A great resource for anyone looking to implement programs for all ages that develop and encourage physical literacy. A few great ideas I love are the idea of a Wild Rumpus parade or taking another book that's all about movement and bringing it to life, sensory bins filled with everyday things like yarn and paper towel rolls, and creating a weaving wall. I also thought the section about how long it takes kids to dive into deep play was interesting.
April 23, 2021
I saw the author at a conference and loved her! The book was fine and full of details but not super applicable if you already have physical literacy programs in place. Currently, it was like she was preaching to the choir (from my perspective), not her fault.
September 21, 2018
This book was informative, well laid out and, at times, funny. A lot of good information for libraries that are new to movement programs or ones that need some different ideas.
June 7, 2019
This book is a wonderful overview of physical literacy and its importance in a library setting. So many ideas!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews