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Early Learning through Play: Library Programming for Diverse Communities
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.
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.
180 pages, Paperback
Published March 13, 2019
15 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
May 8, 2021
What I really took away from this is the pro's and con's of differing types of programs for using Early Learning...
Gross and Fine motor skills, Social Skills,
How do you do this with young children?
The DIY versus the Potential Pitfalls of Creative Movement/Song and Dance, STEM-based, culinary, Art/Performing arts, etc. of presenter-led and self-led ideas are very helpful if you're feeling lost or unsure.
The misleading part for me of the title is "Diverse Communities". What I took that as were programs geared towards special needs, racially and culturally diverse, LGBTQIA+, socio-economic variables, etc. BUT...no, it's really about...here's what you can do inexpensively (with presenters) and here's what you can do on your own (inexpensively)...The Diverse community is more a statement in that every community/style is diverse in terms of the way the library can serve this age.
There are some helpful hints, as well as some ideas you may not be aware of.
Gross and Fine motor skills, Social Skills,
How do you do this with young children?
The DIY versus the Potential Pitfalls of Creative Movement/Song and Dance, STEM-based, culinary, Art/Performing arts, etc. of presenter-led and self-led ideas are very helpful if you're feeling lost or unsure.
The misleading part for me of the title is "Diverse Communities". What I took that as were programs geared towards special needs, racially and culturally diverse, LGBTQIA+, socio-economic variables, etc. BUT...no, it's really about...here's what you can do inexpensively (with presenters) and here's what you can do on your own (inexpensively)...The Diverse community is more a statement in that every community/style is diverse in terms of the way the library can serve this age.
There are some helpful hints, as well as some ideas you may not be aware of.
April 5, 2024
What a great book! I'm excited to start thinking about creating my own play-based early literacy programs.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews