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

by R. Lynn Baker

Overview

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® (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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780838913338
Publisher:	American Library Association
Publication date:	07/01/2015
Pages:	144
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 11.00(h) x 0.31(d)

Editorial Reviews

03/01/2016
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, TX

School Library Journal