Great ECRR Resources on the Web

Great Websites:

A 2015 Update
Ohio Ready to Read: http://www.ohreadytoread.org/ updated & very comprehensive with links, handouts, booklists, videos, & more to the skills and practices

Every Child Ready to Read ning http://everychildreadytoread.ning.com/for updates, research, links, and handouts from recent conferences 

 Saroj Ghoting’s website at http://www.earlylit.net/ has a wealth of information about ECRR. Be sure to click on programs and on resources on the left side of page for handout and storytime ideas. Also, check out Storytime Share at http://www.earlylit.net/storytimeshare/ .

And check out the Summary of the Early Literacy Components, http://www.earlylit.net/workshopmats/elest2/7elcompsummary.pdf, for a handy chart linking the practices of version 2 to the skills of version 1. Click also on the chart showing how the early literacy components and practices support each other at http://www.earlylit.net/workshopmats/elest2/elcomppracchart.pdf.

Play, Grow Read, http://www.kdl.org/kids/go/pgr_main, from Kent District Library. Lots of great ideas for librarians, teachers, caregivers, & parents! Also find annotated lists that help teach ECRR practices at http://www.kdl.org/categories/subcategory/74.

Parents and Kids, Kent District Library handouts of great ideas for organizing play spaces in the library and early literacy activities, http://www.kdl.org/kids/go/PLA2012

Hennepin County Library Early Literacy, http://www.hclib.org/BirthTo6/ELSIE.cfm. Great source for book lists for early literacy skills. Annotated book lists that you can search by one of more of the six skills.

 

http://www.ohreadytoread.org/files/Storytime_Crosswalk_Connections_ORTR.pdf What to do and say during storytime to talk about the skills and practices

http://www.ohreadytoread.org/files/Storytime_Crosswalk_Connections_ORTR.pdf What to do and say during storytime to talk about the skills and practices

http://dallaslibrary2.org/ecrr/skills.php

lots of activity ideas.

http://www.clel.org/content/storytime-take-home-pages

great ideas for handouts.

http://more.ppld.org:8080/kids/GrownUps/earlyliteracy.asp

craft and storytime ideas Also great for science and math workshop or science & math activities. Includes a list of recommended websites

Ohio Ready to Read Library: Existing Programs, Brochures, and Ready-to-Use Ideashttp://www.ohreadytoread.org/existing_programs_brochures_library.html 

Craft & game ideas from Ohio Ready to Read:
http://www.ohreadytoread.org/files/crafts_on_the_go.pdf

http://www.ohreadytoread.org/files/Six_Skills_Games.pdf

http://www.preschoolrainbow.org/

crafts & rhymes

http://www.monroe.lib.in.us/childrens/every-child-ready-read-monroe-county-public-library
for general information, parent tips, ideas, rhymes, & more. 

Storytime Underground: www.storytimeunderground.wordpress.com Lots of great ideas for children's librarians, including early literacy.

Fingerplays from Washington County Library--pages of short video demonstrations! Fantastic! I linked to this from the Guerrilla Storytime write-up. Check it out: http://www.wccls.org/rhymes

ECRR great activities and games (from PLA 2014 ECRR Preconference):

Download these great ideas from the PLA 2013 Conference Program Page (These PDFs can’t be saved.)

PW Activities (1^st PDF):

Download link: http://s4.goeshow.com/pla/annual/2014/profile.cfm?profile_name=download&Handout_key=036C3216-ABD1-4930-977A-639A503B4840&xtemplate=1 

Includes Rhyming game craft and activity; magnet fishing game; Silly Basket—action activity 

Fun with Letters Activities (2^nd PDF):

Download link:

 http://s4.goeshow.com/pla/annual/2014/profile.cfm?profile_name=download&Handout_key=E349F325-537E-4BF0-9F62-5315002EBD56&xtemplate=1

Includes a beginning sounds and pictures matching game; a letter match game children can make; and a MY Name Book mini book for children to make.

Fun with Words Activities & crafts (rhyming & poetry) (3^rd PDF)

Download link:

http://s4.goeshow.com/pla/annual/2014/profile.cfm?profile_name=download&Handout_key=73E43FCD-59F8-4487-AFF8-139EF08230C2&xtemplate=1

Includes a rhyming words matching game; My Poetry Book, a mini book to make; and a word jar activity for home.

Math and Science (4^th PDF):

Download link:

http://s4.goeshow.com/pla/annual/2014/profile.cfm?profile_name=download&Handout_key=D464A479-C50D-4EF0-8E4F-52900B16D0C2&xtemplate=1

Includes a shape and number matching game; My Animals Book to make; and a playdough recipe

Adding STEAM to ECRR:

SimplySTEM

Full of STEAM program ideas for kids of all ages, this wiki features contributions from students in an Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) online course as well as librarians eager to share program plans.

Library Makers

This blog from the Madison (WI) Public Library staff shares a variety of program examples. My favorites are in the WonderWorks category.

Mixing in Math

A great resource for fun ways to explore and enjoy math in everyday library activities. Check out their monthly calendars, which are ready to print.

Steve Spangler Science

This site offers myriad experiments in the Lab section. Experiments are grouped by broad science concepts, from “All About Air” to “Weather.”

ZOOMsci

Here you’ll find hundreds of experiment and activity how-tos, with feedback from kids and teachers who’ve tried them.

Ideas, resources, and programs for early-literacy: Show Me Librarian: http://showmelibrarian.blogspot.com/ Amy’s Wordpress blog links to national library presentations and programs:  http://amyeileenk.wordpress.com/

STEM Storytime Resources (from PLA Conference 2014)

From storytimegoesstem at http://storytimegoesstem.pbworks.com/w/page/76408124/STEM%20Storytime%20Resources

General Resources:

·         Mother Goose Programs: Math and Science (Vermont Center of the Book)

http://www.mothergooseprograms.org/

·         Ready, Set, Kindergarten!: Early Literacy, Math, and Science Tip Sheets for Parents (Brooklyn Public Library)

htt://www.bklynpubliclibrary.org/first-5-years/ready-set-kindergarten

·         The Show Me Librarian: ALL THINGS STEAM (Blog)

http://showmelibrarian.blogspot.com/p/all-things-steam.html

Math

·         Mixing in Math

http://mixinginmath.terc.edu/index.php

·         Math Related Children's Books (NAEYC)

http://www.naeyc.org/files/tyc/file/MathbookslistSchickedanzexcerpt.pdf

·         Picture Books to Nurture Mathematical Thinking (Madison Metropolitan School District)

http://oldweb.madison.k12.wi.us/tnl/lilm/docs/judys_picture_book_list_3-5.pdf

·         Math at Play (Madison Metropolitan School District)

http://www.mathatplay.org/resources_picb.html

·         Children's Books with Mathematical Themes

http://www.dearteacher.com/math-books

·         Pinterest: Math Ideas for Preschoolers

http://www.pinterest.com/keriel132/math-ideas-for-preschoolers/

·         Early Math Matters (Get Ready to Read)

http://www.getreadytoread.org/early-learning-childhood-basics/early-math/early-math-matters-preparing-preschoolers-to-succeed

·         Bedtime Math

http://bedtimemath.org

(They also have a Bedtime Math Party Kit: http://bedtimemath.org/join-the-movement-2/libraries-hands-on-math/)

 Science

·         Children's Library Discovery Center, Queens Library

http://www.queenslibrary.org/kids/discovery

·         Pinterest: Preschool Science

http://www.pinterest.com/sbishop/preschool-science/

·         Pinterest: Preschool Science Ideas

http://www.pinterest.com/emmavanstone/preschool-science-ideas/

·         Science Experiments in Pre-K

http://www.prekinders.com/science-experiments-in-pre-k/

·         Science Activities for Preschool and Kindergarten

http://www.pbs.org/parents/education/science/activities/preschooler-kindergarten/

·         Preschool Science & Magnets:

http://www.pinterest.com/marybethcol/preschool-science-magnets/

Big Ideas with Amy Cuddy: Power Poses

The Power of Power Poses!

 

Power posing causes change at the physiological level. Testosterone goes up and cortisol, the hormone that increases under stress, goes down. They are at levels seen in effective leaders who work well in crisis. When we assume a power pose two minutes before a stressful interaction, we feel more powerful and are more risk tolerant. When we draw in—sit hunched or curled up—we feel less powerful and are less risk tolerant. Power poses help increase abstract thinking, executive functioning, lower pain threshold and result in a better job interview.

Think about our sleeping positions. When we wake up in a fetal position, we feel more anxious. Try to be in a more open position during sleep.

Don’t use power poses during high stakes interactions. Power posing puts people off. But you can be sure that your shoulders are square, feet apart.

Even imaging a power pose for two minutes makes a difference. We feel less self conscious and more powerful. Our bodies change our minds. It really is about being a fake. Fake it until you become it. Share the science.

So just pick a power pose and hold it for two minutes. “Stand up straight and realize who you are, that you tower over your circumstances.” Maya Angelou

Recommended sites for more information:

Power Posing: Brief Nonverbal Displays Affect Neuroendocrine Levels and Risk Tolerance

Dana R. Carney1, Amy J.C. Cuddy2, and Andy J. Yap1

Columbia University and 2Harvard University. Available: http://www.people.hbs.edu/acuddy/in%20press,%20carney,%20cuddy,%20&%20yap,%20psych%20science.pdf

See different poses:

http://www.businessinsider.com/power-pose-2013-5?op=1 from Business Insider.

And from the Huffington Post: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/amy-cuddy/body-language_b_2451277.html

 

Fake it ’til you become it: Amy Cuddy’s power poses, visualized

Posted by: Helen Walters
http://blog.ted.com/2013/12/13/fake-it-til-you-become-it-amy-cuddys-power-poses-visualized/

Amy Cuddy: Your body language shapes who you areNo two ways about it: Social psychologist Amy Cuddy’s talk from TEDGlobal 2012 touched a nerve, and sparked a sensation. In the talk, “Your body language shapes who you are,” Cuddy offered a free, low-tech life hack: assume a posture for just two minutes — and change your life. The idea caught on, the talk has now been viewed more than nine million times, and the idea of “power posing” has truly entered the vernacular. For the visualization below, created in conjunction with Brazilian magazine Superinteressante, the designers illustrated some of the points Cuddy makes about posture and its impact on how we feel. Take a look … and stand up straight.

Every Child Ready to Read: Does It Really Work?

PLA 2014 in Indy

Every Child Ready to Read: Does It Really Work? Evaluating the Program

Presented information and results from the Views2 Project conducted by the University Of Washington, Information School, Katie Campana, speaker and Project Manager

PDF handouts are available at:

http://www.placonference.org/programs/, Every Child Ready to Read, Does It Really Work? These handouts are goals and behaviors on the part of librarians and children in each skill area of ECRR. They were used as part of the research process, but could easily be used as evaluative tools for any storytime presenter. The suggestion in the program was to use these handouts as such, but more as a learning tool than as an assessment of librarian skills. Working with another librarian was also suggested.

Project Views was a two year research project that was conducted by the University of Washington along with many supporting organizations. It is an acronym for: Valuable Initiatives in Early Learning that Work Successfully. Forty libraries were selected for study. Storytimes were observed and assessed before and after focused training in ECRR.  Librarians in the experimental group received focused training; those in the control group received no extra training. Interestingly, many of the libraries in the study were already purposefully implementing early literacy into storytimes. The difference was that the experimental group received significant training in ECRR.

Study Results:

“When comparing the observations from Year 1 and Year 2 for the control group…NO statistically significant changes in the librarians’ programs or the children’s behaviors” were found. AND

“When comparing the observations from Year 1 and Year 2 for the experimental group…there WERE several statistically significant changes in both the librarians’ programs and the children’s behaviors.”

There was a strong correlation between the focused ECRR program and early literacy behavior exhibited by the children.

The bottom line is that “Purposeful focus on early literacy principles makes a difference in programs and in children’s early literacy behaviors.”

The evaluation tools may be used by librarians to use as planning tools. Start with the age of the children and then choose the early literacy skill(s) that will be the focus of the storytime.

Purposeful and intentional focus on early literacy principles makes a difference in programs and in children’s early literacy behaviors.

Librarians need to model for parents to make the teaching most impactful.

To stay connected with Project VIEWS you can:

• Twitter: #VIEWS2

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/views2

• Website: http://digitalyouth.ischool.uw.edu/

Meeting Public Service Expectations by Breaking the Service Model

PLA 2014 Indy

Meeting Public Service Expectations by Breaking the Service Model

Presented by Ms. Cathy Ziegler, Director of Libraries, Plano Public Library System; Ms. Jocelyn Baron, Youth Service Librarian, Plano Public Library System; Mr. Brent Bloechle, Manager, Maribelle M. Davis Library, Plano Public Library System

From program description, available on the PLA 2014 Conference site: “During the past five years the Plano (Tex.) Public Library System has transformed its service model to deliver a higher level of service to patrons. By repurposing the roles of the librarians, clerks, and pages, the library has been able to provide increased high quality person-to-person service while increasing circulation by +900,000 (30.0%). Program attendance also increased by 29764 (+39.5%). This was all accomplished while the library system reduced staffing by 28 FTE positions.”

Plano serves a population of 270,000 with five branches (+1—their online branch) There is no central location. They receive no state or county funds. The population is highly educated and the expectations for the library are high. No resident lives more than five miles from the library and everyone has equal service.

In the last five years the library has reduced staff and developed a flat organization structure. The five library managers also have system-wide responsibilities. Following these changes, circulation went up by 30.4% and program attendance increased by 39.6%. These statistical improvements were made possible by making better use of staff. They strongly believe that increased programming led to increased circulation. All these changes occurred with a reduction in staff of 14.7%, necessitated by a reduction in the budget. A new mission statement was adapted. The system strives to provide a welcoming and supportive environment for the community. Areas to change and improve were identified: customer assistance, operations procedures, selection, programming, hours of operation, and the website. Change is constant.

With the reduction in staff came a realignment of duties. The clerk and page staff were combined into one: clerks. All employees learned new skills and everyone works in all areas except in-depth research. The layers of supervision were reduced. The library assistant position was eliminated. These jobs were promoted to supervisor. The supervisory responsibilities were broadened. All libraries are under one supervisor in each building.

Selection was consolidated to a small group based in the TS department: two full time and two part time staff. This restructuring allowed other staff more time for services and programs. Selection focused on acquiring more materials for juveniles and teens, more DVDs and popular books. The focus of selection is on what the population want.  Digital—Zinio, Overdrive, One-Click Digital, and Learning Express were highlighted.

Many changes were made so that staff could be free to assume additional different duties. Each library acquired a five bin sorter. That freed staff to support other services. Using the HandyHolds process, holds went to a 7 color rotation-a color for each day—post it notes on the spine. Renewals were increased to five. Twenty self-checks were added along with the ability to swipe a credit card at each self-check to pay fines. Reference and circulation desks were combined into a single service point--Information Services. Floating collections were instituted. All these measures help free staff so that they are available to assist with other cervices. And they helped to improve circulation. Available staff were shifted to new activities. Libraries stayed open longer. Space was repurposed to provide a digital creation space at two locations. Plano local history documents and images were uploaded and made available. Notary services, faxing, and scanners are available at all locations.

Successful programming definitely helps boast circulation.

Changes in programming involved evaluating programming and the community. As a result, family and educational programming were expanded and improved. An emphasis was placed on STEAM and STEM programming. They partnered with more community groups. They engage the public to interact with other city departments. Suburban Dare, the 2013 summer reading program, engaged the public to interact with the communityYou can read more about it here:  http://www.dallasnews.com/news/community-news/plano/headlines/20130526-joanna-stone-plano-library-reveals-suburban-dare-program.ece . For adult programming more technological training was offered. They have 5 book clubs and a Plano Reads blog. They also started a Lego Robotics program. It was what the public wanted. They hold job fairs. Popular programs have included Cupcake Wars; Candy Pizza; Ice Cream Challenge; Zombies; Origami; Bubbles; Halloween Boo-Ha-Ha; Puppet Shows; Clowns; Polka Fun for All. The expanded their ECRR programs. They have Readers and Wagers—reader dog programs. The have STEAM for small groups with parents and families. They center on math, nature, astronomy, physics, music, etc. They have a Lego We Do Junior Robotics program for ages 7-9. They take advantage of resources available and include outdoor spaces. They have a programming committee with people from each location. Some libraries offer individual programs, but most are done system-wide and in cooperation with the community. They have a quarterly 16 page brochure. All this programming and publicity requires planning 6 months ahead. Everybody works everywhere in the library. Adult and youth librarians work in both areas. All staff do what needs to be done, including shelving.

They have storytime bags for parents and day cares, along with science kits. These circulate very well.

Their 6^th library is online—www.planolibrary.org. Sixty-three staff members are engaged in some aspect of social media. Posting is seven days/week. They have blogs, Plano Kids, Plano Teen Tumblr; Job Center; Genealogy Center.

The increase in circulation has been across the board.

More ECRR--Great Links to Crafts & Games!

PLA 2014 Indy

ECRR great activities and games (from ECRR Preconference):

Download these great ideas from the PLA 2013 ConferenceProgram Page

PW Activities (1^st PDF):

Download link: http://s4.goeshow.com/pla/annual/2014/profile.cfm?profile_name=download&Handout_key=036C3216-ABD1-4930-977A-639A503B4840&xtemplate=1 

Includes Rhyming game craft and activity; magnet fishing game; Silly Basket—action activity 

Fun with Letters Activities (2^nd PDF):

Download link:

 http://s4.goeshow.com/pla/annual/2014/profile.cfm?profile_name=download&Handout_key=E349F325-537E-4BF0-9F62-5315002EBD56&xtemplate=1

Includes a beginning sounds and pictures matching game; a letter match game children can make; and a MY Name Book mini book for children to make.

Fun with Words Activities & crafts (rhyming & poetry) (3^rd PDF)

Download link:

http://s4.goeshow.com/pla/annual/2014/profile.cfm?profile_name=download&Handout_key=73E43FCD-59F8-4487-AFF8-139EF08230C2&xtemplate=1

Includes a rhyming words matching game; My Poetry Book, a mini book to make; and a word jar activity for home.

Math and Science (4^th PDF):

Download link:

http://s4.goeshow.com/pla/annual/2014/profile.cfm?profile_name=download&Handout_key=D464A479-C50D-4EF0-8E4F-52900B16D0C2&xtemplate=1

Includes a shape and number matching game; My Animals Book to make; and a playdough recipe

Guerilla Storytime

PLA 2014 Indy

The website, storytimeunderground.wordpress.com has the write-up for the session, pertinent and helpful videos and many more great ideas.

• Guerilla Storytime is a national movement. It’s a program of sharing. The website (above) is very informative and also has a weekly ‘Ask a Storytime Ninja’ feature. Search the archives for answers to common questions and problems. They have a facebook group, also.

• The session began with a catch good morning song using the tune from She’ll Be Comin’ ‘Round the Mountain’, The Good Morning Train Song.  A video is included in the write-up or click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8_CCseQW7c.

Suggested activities:

• A favorite use of props was a Storytime Song Cube and sack boxes to take home and make.

• A fun activity to use with Lori Berkner’s Pig on Her Head song is to hold a paper plate pig over the head of a child. Or change the words a little and have plate puppets with pictures of different animals.

• Have a magic bag that contains the letter of the day. The letter changes to an animal that starts with that letter. Or put letters in a hat. Pull them out one by one to form a word.

• Use partner songs to invite parents to join in. Have guidelines for parents—encourage them to model for their children. You might say, “Your child will like dancing with me, but will LOVE dancing with you.” Remind parents that they are their child’s first and best teacher.

• An IPad app that was highly recommended was Monster at the End of This Book.

• The U-Tube video by youth librarian Rick Samuelson was recommended: Form the Orange http://www.wccls.org/rhymes/form-the-orange Attendees demonstrated the chant and it’s posted. Another verse was suggested: corn: shuck the corn, end with pop the corn—everybody jump.

• If you set rules for storytimes, the suggestion was to pick three things. Most agreed that two should be, Sit with your Child and no cell phones.

  Guerrilla Storytime at #pla2014: The Recap!

Go to the post about this event for many more of the ideas shared, links to vieos, & lots more!: http://storytimeunderground.wordpress.com/2014/03/15/guerrilla-storytime-at-pla2014-the-recap/:

Posted March 15 by Amy Koester

Storytime Goes STEM

PLA 2014 Indy

STEM Storytime Resources

From storytimegoesstem at http://storytimegoesstem.pbworks.com/w/page/76408124/STEM%20Storytime%20Resources

General Resources

·         Mother Goose Programs: Math and Science (Vermont Center of the Book)

http://www.mothergooseprograms.org/

·         Ready, Set, Kindergarten!: Early Literacy, Math, and Science Tip Sheets for Parents (Brooklyn Public Library)

htt://www.bklynpubliclibrary.org/first-5-years/ready-set-kindergarten

·         The Show Me Librarian: ALL THINGS STEAM (Blog)

http://showmelibrarian.blogspot.com/p/all-things-steam.html

Math

·         Mixing in Math

http://mixinginmath.terc.edu/index.php

·         Math Related Children's Books (NAEYC)

http://www.naeyc.org/files/tyc/file/MathbookslistSchickedanzexcerpt.pdf

·         Picture Books to Nurture Mathematical Thinking (Madison Metropolitan School District)

http://oldweb.madison.k12.wi.us/tnl/lilm/docs/judys_picture_book_list_3-5.pdf

·         Math at Play (Madison Metropolitan School District)

http://www.mathatplay.org/resources_picb.html

·         Children's Books with Mathematical Themes

http://www.dearteacher.com/math-books

·         Pinterest: Math Ideas for Preschoolers

http://www.pinterest.com/keriel132/math-ideas-for-preschoolers/

·         Early Math Matters (Get Ready to Read)

http://www.getreadytoread.org/early-learning-childhood-basics/early-math/early-math-matters-preparing-preschoolers-to-succeed

·         Bedtime Math

http://bedtimemath.org

(They also have a Bedtime Math Party Kit: http://bedtimemath.org/join-the-movement-2/libraries-hands-on-math/)

 Science

·         Children's Library Discovery Center, Queens Library

http://www.queenslibrary.org/kids/discovery

·         Pinterest: Preschool Science

http://www.pinterest.com/sbishop/preschool-science/

·         Pinterest: Preschool Science Ideas

http://www.pinterest.com/emmavanstone/preschool-science-ideas/

·         Science Experiments in Pre-K

http://www.prekinders.com/science-experiments-in-pre-k/

·         Science Activities for Preschool and Kindergarten

http://www.pbs.org/parents/education/science/activities/preschooler-kindergarten/

·         Preschool Science & Magnets:

http://www.pinterest.com/marybethcol/preschool-science-magnets/