Early Learning through Play: Library Programming for Diverse Communities

by Kristin Grabarek, Mary R. Lanni

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781440865824
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	03/13/2019
Pages:	180
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.38(d)

About the Author

Kristin Grabarek implemented Little University, an early learning program beyond traditional storytime, at her branch of the Denver Public Library system and is now assisting in its expansion to multiple branches throughout the system.

Mary R. Lanni is a library professional in Denver, Colorado, providing library and programming services for all ages for more than five years.

Table of Contents

1 Introduction 1

What Is Early Learning? 1

Public Library's Role in Early Learning 3

Every Child Ready to Read (ECRR1 and ECRR2) @ Your Library 5

About Us 10

Learning through Play 10

How Play Supports the Rest of ECRR2 12

Participants in a Traditional Storytime 14

In Defense of Story times 18

A Play-Based Learning Alternative 18

In Summary 19

2 Creating an Early Learning Program Series 21

Original Creation of Play-Based Early Learning Programs 21

Little University: A Note on Kristin's Library Community 21

Family Literacy: A Note on Mary's Library Community 24

Considerations for Creating Play-Based Programs in Your Library 27

Cultural Awareness 27

Marketing 28

Word of Mouth 28

Print Collateral 30

Following Up 30

Scheduling 31

Building a Core Group of Participants 32

How to Structure the Program Series 33

How the Program Supports Social-Emotional Skills 37

The Importance of Learning Together 38

One Last Note 38

In Summary 40

Your To-Do List 40

3 Implementing the Program Series with a Budget 43

The Conundrum of Free Things 43

Your Program Series Reflects Your Community 45

How to Approach Community Partners 45

Developing Programs with Community Partners 46

Movement Programs 47

STEM Programs 59

Art Programs 68

Health and Nutrition Programs 77

Wellness Programs 85

In Summary 93

Your To-Do List 94

4 Early Learning Programs for Tiny or Nonexistent Budgets 95

Tiny Budgets as an Opportunity 96

D1Y Programming Examples and Resources 96

Movement Programs 96

Art and Craft Programs 102

Community Programs and Destination Storytimes 108

STEM Programs 122

Wellness Programs 129

Language and Cultural Programs 137

In Summary 139

Your To-Do List 139

5 Conclusion 141

Where We Are Now 143

Maintaining Relevance 145

What to Do Next? 147

Looking Ahead: How to Continue Building Your Program 148

Early Learning Progress Report 148

Surveys and Incentives 149

Little University for Grown-Ups 149

Kindergarten Readiness Checklist 150

Graduation 151

In Summary 152

Appendix A Elevator Speeches 155

Appendix B Need to DTY? Twenty Titles to Build an Early Learning Program Series Reference Collection 157

Appendix C Program Flyer Template 159

Bibliography 163

Index 165

What People are Saying About This

Laura Olson

"Are you looking to launch a play-based early learning program at your library or simply add a few extension activities to storytime? This book offers many inexpensive and innovative ideas with step-by-step instructions. Whether you are an experienced program librarian or new to youth services, you can easily bring thoughtful and intentional playtime to your community’s young families."

Mary Stansbury

"Joyfulness, insight, compassion, and dedication are the terms that come to mind after reading Early Learning through Play. As a guide for librarians, this book is more than just a recipe or handbook; it is an inspiring and pragmatic approach to the public librarian’s role of nurturing the love of reading and play in all communities and with a respect for cultural differences."

Brittany R. Jacobs

"To play is serious business, and the cognitive implications that come along with it are far-reaching and key elements to a successful transition into the formal realm of education in the classroom. Not only have Kristin Grabarek and Mary R. Lanni created a tool that will impress upon librarians the science behind and the need for play-based learning, but they have gone so far as to create a detailed list of potential programs to implement in the library setting and beyond. This book is nothing short of a revolutionary tool that will educate, inspire and equip librarians to level-up their programming and make an even bigger difference in the communities in which they serve."

Betsy Diamant-Cohen

"This book is a terrific new resource for play-based programming. Since children learn best through play, and play is an Every Child Ready to Read best practice, this comprehensive book is invaluable for children’s librarians. Play-based rather than reading-based, these inventive and entertaining programs are recommended as an addition to traditional storytimes rather than as a replacement. They are designed to appeal to all audiences including wiggly children, immigrant and refugee families, grandparents, children with special needs, dads, affluent parents, working parents, engaged parents, and families living in poverty. This wonderful resource fills a need for children’s librarians who seek to continue the democratic mission of the public library."