Creating Literacy-Based Programs for Children: Lesson Plans and Printable Resources for K-5 - Softcover

Baker, R Lynn

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0838915000 ISBN 13: 9780838915004

Publisher: ALA Editions, 2017

Synopsis

The all-in-one resource you've been clamoring for, this book presents a comprehensive package of literacy-based public library programming ideas designed for children in kindergarten through the early tweens. Chock full of strategies and best practices for promoting literacy and reading skill development, it also features numerous planning templates and other materials ready to print and adapt as needed. With specific guidance for improving and streamlining each step of program planning and implementation, this book

• defines literacy and reading skills by grade levels, in addition to information on other developmental stages;
• explains multiliteracies and connects them to programming practices;
• provides step-by-step program planning guides, arranged by grade level, which include book-based programs, clubs, makerspaces, afterschool/study programs, author/guest visits, family/all age programs, impromptu programming, and many others;
• offers STEAM-based programs which connect to science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics;
• gives advice on collaborating effectively with school librarians and teachers to plan school field trips;
• addresses large event and summer reading program planning;
• shows how to program for children with special needs; and
• shares tips and suggestions for getting the word out through advocacy and marketing.

Helping public libraries build outstanding programs from the ground up, this resource will prove valuable a tool for children's librarians and other programming staff.

About this title

About the Author

R. Lynn Baker is an early childhood educator and certified librarian. A former preschool and kindergarten teacher, she holds a bachelor of science degree in interdisciplinary early childhood education with a minor in special education. She spent eight years as a youth services librarian, developing programs and curricula for children, families, and communities in the public library, and received her MLIS degree from San José State University. She is an early childhood and public library consultant, providing workshops for early care and education organizations and library systems.

Reviews

This comprehensive text provides ideas for a wealth of literacy-based programming for public and school libraries. Baker, an early childhood specialist and librarian, describes the essential skills that children must master before learning to read and discusses the best practices for achieving them. The book examines various literacies—phonological, print, social, digital, and multisensory—as well as cognitive skills and individual social and personality traits and details the process of choosing, planning, and scheduling events that range from readers theater to discussion groups to impromptu programs. Samples of lesson plans are arranged by age group, and there are suggestions for possible partnerships with community agencies and tips on marketing and advocacy. The author emphasizes the necessity of understanding different learning styles. Particularly helpful is the section about the opportunities to create programs for children on the autism spectrum, kids with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or those who may have mobility, visual, or audio difficulties. The text offers ideas for adapting space and equipment for a variety of learning challenges. An appendix includes useful resources, such as sample patron surveys, check lists, and release forms. VERDICT A valuable programming tool that's recommended for professional training collections in school and public libraries.—Jackie Gropman, formerly at Chantilly Regional Library, VA

Edition details

• Publisher: ALA Editions
• Publication date: 2017
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0838915000
• ISBN 13: 9780838915004
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 176