NEW PROGRAMS FOR 2-3 YEAR OLDS
The Irondequoit Public Library has launched a new educational program called “Let’s Get Ready to Read”. This program will provide emergent literacy materials and services to parents and caregivers of children under the age of 5.
Through a series of workshops, parents and caregivers will learn the 6 major skills that a child needs before he or she can successfully learn to read and write, and tips on incorporating these skills into the child’s daily routine. First, parents will attend an informational workshop detailing the 6 skills. Then, they will be eligible to sign up for a 3-session interactive workshop with their child, demonstrating ways to integrate the skills into play, everyday living and reading.
Separate informational and interactive workshops will be held for parents and caregivers of children aged birth through 23 months, aged 2-3, and aged 4-5. These workshops will be held at the two Irondequoit library branches in 2007-2008, and at east and west Irondequoit school districts and Irondequoit ’s Stepping Stones Learning Center in 2008-2009.
The libraries will also be creating “literacy kits” for each of the 3 age groups which will include books, CD’s, and informational material for supporting emergent literacy development at home.
The second series of workshops will be offered this winter 2008 for parents and caregivers of children 2-3 years of age, as follows: Introductory Workshop (adults only): Thursday, February 28, 7-8:30. Interactive Workshops (adult and 2-3 year old child): Thursday, 3/6, 7-8:30… Thursday, 3/13, 7-8:30; Thursday, 3/20, 7-8:30
These programs will be held at the McGraw Branch Library; to register, please call them at 336-6060.
The program is being developed by Irondequoit Public Library’s children’s librarians Mary Gleason and Ruth Otto, and coordinated by Emergent Literacy consultant and www.nurturingliteracy.com author Keary Pender. It is made possible in part by a Family Literacy Library services grant from the New York State Library, New York State Education Department.
