NJ Senate Honors Libraries for Excellence in Early Childhood Literacy
The libraries in Monroe, Bernardsville, Princeton and Rocky Hill each received a $500 award from the New Jersey State Library for excelling at early learning programming and making a difference for the future of New Jersey. On June 18, those libraries, as well as the State Library, were presented with resolutions from the NJ Senate in recognition of their outstanding programs.
“We sponsored this contest because we wanted to have solid proof that New Jersey public libraries have a tremendous impact on so many young lives by providing innovative and successful literacy programs in place for children from birth to three years, their families and caregivers.,” said Norma Blake, NJ State Librarian.
Monroe Public Library in Middlesex County was selected for its Mother Goose Time program that develops multi-lingual early literacy skills in children ages 18-36 months through songs, rhymes and reading activities emphasizing repetition. It uses English and Spanish “color words” and “environmental reading” in its sessions. For “environmental reading,” the children guess what logos say that are found around their community. The program reaches across many different populations and is an effective and inexpensive program that could be adopted in any library.
Bernardsville Public Library was selected for its Early Literacy on the Go Kits that contain books, toys, sound recordings and information on how to practice early literacy. The library offers Babies Book Time (6 months-17 months) and Nursery Time (ages 17 months-2½ yrs.). During eight-week story-time sessions, children and parents/caregivers are introduced to the six literacy skills, also called Smart Start Skills, that are based on the six necessary skills identified in the Every Child Ready to Read (ECRR) program: print motivation, print awareness, letter knowledge, phonological awareness, vocabulary and narrative skills. Each week, one of the skills is highlighted and demonstrated, and follow-up suggestions are given to the parents/caregivers. During each session, parents receive a bibliography of more books on the featured topic so they can read and practice the skill that was presented at that session.
Princeton Public Library was selected for its Wee Reads Early Literacy Summer Reading Program for Preschool Children to help them develop their literacy skills also using the ECRR model. When children register for the summer reading program they receive a very colorful “game board” designed with 50 colorful blocks that list a variety of activities that adults and preschoolers can complete together. They also receive a handout that lists age appropriate early literacy activities and instructions as to how to play the game. Age appropriate incentives such as board books are given for the completion of the program. This program, now in its fourth year, continues to grow in popularity. Similar programs have been developed at other libraries in NJ using Princeton Public Library’s example.
The Mary Jacobs Library in Rocky Hill was selected for their Animal Tales Reading Club held during March for children from birth – pre-kindergarten. Children sign up anytime during March and receive a Reading Log to take home. Each day when a child is read to or looks at books he or she colors in an animal. The child receives a prize when 5 animals are colored. The club is unique in that it does not involve scheduled library programming but instead encourages shared reading experiences for families with young children. It creates a positive library experience for both the youngest patrons and their caregivers. The first time it was offered, there was an immediate and enthusiastic response from patrons. Twice as many children participated as expected.
The contest was held in conjunction with May’s Get Caught Reading Month, sponsored by the Association of American Publishers.
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