Counting Down to Kindergarten: A Complete Guide to Creating a School Readiness Program for Your Community - Softcover

Baker, R. Lynn

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0838913334 ISBN 13: 9780838913338

Publisher: ALA Editions, 2015

Synopsis

The public library is in the perfect position as a community resource to help bridge the gap between preschool and kindergarten; however, starting from scratch can feel daunting. In this guide, Baker combines her background in early childhood education with her experience as a youth services programming specialist to present a school readiness program that can be tailored for any public library. Based on the successful framework of her tried and tested original program, this book offers everything that a public library needs in order to get started, including A six-week schedule of detailed lesson plans which combine the best practices of the Every Child Ready to Read(R) (ECRR) Second Edition (talking, singing, reading, writing, playing) with nationally identified school readiness skills A six-month family calendar with activities to help parents engage their children in activities that foster early literacy and school readiness skills at home Tips for maintaining a collaborative relationship with early childhood stakeholders and policymakers to help maintain a program that fits the school readiness needs of the local community Specific examples of successful school readiness programs and partnerships from public library systems across the country Baker's guide will help public libraries ensure that young children are ready for school from day one.

About this title

About the Author

R. Lynn Baker is a conference speaker and advocate for early childhood
education, early literacy/school readiness programs, and public libraries. As a former preschool and kindergarten teacher, she holds a bachelor of science in interdisciplinary early childhood education and a minor in special education, as well as permanent library certification from the Kentucky Department of Libraries and Archives. In her current role as the Youth Services Specialist at Paul Sawyier Public Library in Frankfort, Kentucky, she has developed school readiness
programs and curricula for preschool children, families, and communities.
Through the culmination of her education and experiences, She was instrumental in the development of the Kentucky Public Library School Readiness Task Force, also known as READiness Matters, in collaboration with the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives.

Reviews

With recent changes to curricula, it is more important than ever for children to enter school with basic literacy skills. This comprehensive guide walks librarians through the process of creating and running a summer community school readiness program for children entering kindergarten. The author provides an overview of child development and thoroughly explains the role of the public library in literacy development of early readers. Focusing on collaboration with families and teachers, this easy-to-follow guide allows seasoned and new librarians to successfully create an educational and entertaining program. Over the course of six weeks, children and families will be taken through progressive literacy activities that build upon one another. Singing, reading, and playing interactions among children, parents, and library staff teach concepts in a fun and informative way. Recommended print resources consists of classics as well as recently published books. Suggested art activities are cost effective and user friendly. As an added bonus, there is an online program calendar available as well as printable handouts to advertise and reinforce the program. Also included is a parent program, which allows library staff to train parents in literacy practices that support their child's learning. Every library could easily implement a school readiness program with the help of this guide. VERDICT An excellent professional development resource for public and school librarians.-Elizabeth Speer, Weatherford College, TXα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Edition details

• Publisher: ALA Editions
• Publication date: 2015
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0838913334
• ISBN 13: 9780838913338
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 144