Serving on the CLEL Bell Awards Committee has given me a new way to look at picture books. I have always been passionate about early literacy, but this experience has encouraged me to think more intentionally about the books we share with young children. Instead of simply asking whether a book is engaging, funny, or beautifully illustrated, I now find myself asking a different question: Does this picture book model an early literacy practice?
Tag: early literacy
Sense-ational Learning with Sensory Explorations
Over the past few years, I have seen an increased interest in “sensory friendly” programming at libraries. This has included an influx of programs such as toddler explorations, sensory explorations, and more. Our library has spent the past few years reformatting, adapting, and implementing our seasonal “Sensory Explorations” program. Check out some of the highlights below! What Is It? Sensory Explorations is a program recommended for children aged 2-5 that is hands on, messy, fun. At its core, it is an opportunity for children to engage in tactile, early learning activities at the library. When hosting, I typically plan to incorporate at least five of the eight sensory systems. Yes, I did say eight! Most people learned about the “five senses” as being taste, smell, sight, touch, and sound. However, there are three additional systems we use every day that are lesser known: the proprioceptive system, vestibular system, and interoception….
Mindfulness: Books for Young Readers
I am the Youth and Teen Collections Librarian for the eight locations that comprise my library system, and I am responsible for purchasing all materials for ages 0-17. In the past few years, I have noticed an increase in materials addressing mindfulness, meditation, and calming activities for all age groups. Researchers and health professionals are sounding the alarm regarding the increased prevalence of depression and anxiety for children ages 3-17. While the pandemic had a huge impact on mental and emotional health, the current state of the world has continued to contribute to the concerning rise of stress in young children. The following booklist offers a variety of books for young readers to help navigate emotional challenges. I am hoping you will find some helpful titles to offer patrons, caregivers, and readers insight and guidance. Several books offer instructions for mindful breathing and calming movements. Many of the practices covered…
Creating Calm Spaces
Libraries today are more than just places to borrow books—they’re safe, welcoming spaceswhere families can connect, relax, and feel supported. One simple but meaningful way libraries are making that happen is through calming corners and wellness rooms. These quiet, cozy spots are designed with caregivers and young children in mind—especially infants, toddlers, and preschoolers of all abilities. It’s a calm, welcoming spacefor feeding infants, soothing big emotions during transitions, or simply taking a breathbefore returning to the bustle of play and exploration. We’ve learned that supporting the emotional well-being of families often comes down tointentionality and mindfulness in everyday interactions. By creating environments that aredevelopmentally appropriate and emotionally supportive, libraries can be places whereboth children and caregivers feel seen, safe, and connected. A Wellness Room That’s why we recently repurposed a study room into a Wellness Room, designed to meetthe needs of caregivers and young children who might need a…
Pop In Play: Building Flexible Fun for Families
Play is at the heart of early learning—and some of our favorite library programs. Our Community Playgroups are among our most popular and well-attended programs. However, because they require advanced registration and a four-week commitment, they exclude some families. What about families who can’t attend every week or who miss out on registration? After 18 months of reflection and development, we’ve launched Pop In Play, a meaningful, flexible, and inclusive play-based program for children and their caregivers. Built to meet families where they are, this program directly addresses community needs. Here’s a look at what we’re doing.
Bounce and Tickle Songs for Baby Storytime!
I started doing Baby Storytime at my library last year and I will admit that this was a cute, but challenging journey. I have been so used to toddlers and preschoolers being so engaged that I had forgotten that babies work differently and therefore need a much different storytime. The key to a baby storytime is lots of songs, from bouncing songs to prop songs. Here are some bounce and tickle songs that my baby storytime families love!
Playful Learning @ the Library
Why Play Matters Research shows that brain development during the first years of life is incredibly rapid. During these formative years, children learn and grow in the context of personal relationships, with their early experiences shaping their future health, behavior, and learning. Public libraries serve as trusted community resources, offering caregivers essential support in navigating the early stages of child development. Within this framework, play spaces have emerged as a critical element of youth services, offering children and their caregivers valuable avenues for learning, creativity, and social interaction. Play has a particularly significant role in early childhood development and is central to how children grow across all areas of development. Play fosters cognitive, language, social, emotional, and physical growth; library play spaces can nurture this important process. Creating Connection & Community A comfortable and welcoming environment filled with diverse opportunities for exploration and play encourages meaningful interactions between caregivers and children…
Tried, True, New, and You: Home
Have you ever felt stuck in storytime planning? Sometimes, no matter how great a theme or the books, I find myself stuck in a proverbial storytime rut. While it’s great to share favorite stories, I also want to evaluate everything we share to find titles that resonate with our community. This month, I’m borrowing an idea from a colleague and sharing a few tried and tested, some true-to-life, and a few new titles around one of our upcoming storytime themes: Home.