Early Learning through Play

One Introduction
What Is Early Learning?
Public Library's Role in Early Learning
Every Child Ready to Read (ECRR1 and ECRR2) @ Your Library
About Us
Learning through Play
How Play Supports the Rest of ECRR2
Participants in a Traditional Storytime
In Defense of Storytimes
A Play-Based Learning Alternative
In Summary
Two Creating an Early Learning Program Series
Original Creation of Play-Based Early Learning Programs
Little University: A Note on Kristin's Library Community
Family Literacy: A Note on Mary's Library Community
Considerations for Creating Play-Based Programs in Your Library
Cultural Awareness
Marketing
Word of Mouth
Print Collateral
Following Up
Scheduling
Building a Core Group of Participants
How to Structure the Program Series
How the Program Supports Social-Emotional Skills
The Importance of Learning Together
One Last Note
In Summary
Your To-Do List
Three Implementing the Program Series with a Budget
The Conundrum of Free Things
Your Program Series Reflects Your Community
How to Approach Community Partners
Developing Programs with Community Partners
Movement Programs
STEM Programs
Art Programs
Health and Nutrition Programs
Wellness Programs
In Summary
Your To-Do List
Four Early Learning Programs for Tiny or Nonexistent Budgets
Tiny Budgets as an Opportunity
DIY Programming Examples and Resources
Movement Programs
Art and Craft Programs
Community Programs and Destination Storytimes
STEM Programs
Wellness Programs
Language and Cultural Programs
In Summary
Your To-Do List
Five Conclusion
Where We Are Now
Maintaining Relevance
What to Do Next?
Looking Ahead: How to Continue Building Your Program
Early Learning Progress Report
Surveys and Incentives
Little University for Grown-Ups
Kindergarten Readiness Checklist
Graduation
In Summary
Appendix A: Elevator Speeches
Appendix B: Need to DIY? Twenty Titles to Build an Early Learning Program Series Reference Collection
Appendix C: Program Flyer Template
Bibliography
Index