Free America: Lessons for Preschoolers in Public Libraries
'01.06.2017'
Source: Voanews
It has already been described before how public libraries in the USA create a special atmosphere in children's departments in order to stimulate even the youngest children to learn and create. This time we will talk about special programs and activities for preschoolers that are organized by libraries to help children learn to read, instill in them a love of books and diversify.
Benefits for children and adults
The early years are critical to literacy development. A small child is like a pliable soil, and each seed sown at this time will later give abundant fruits. Research shows that children who have participated in preschool programs in the library have better pre-reading skills. In addition, these measures provide babies with an excellent opportunity for communication and thus - the development of speech and social skills.
Children are encouraged to tell their own "stories", "write down" personal ideas, and carry out their own "ideas."
Thanks to meetings in libraries, adults can expand the circle of acquaintances and establish friendships.
Where in HHK is Dr. Mardy? Pinkham Library meeting future students! Thank you, Erin! pic.twitter.com/VjKdPWAxLl
- HHK Superintendent (@HHK_Supt) May 5, 2017
Caring for the baby at home, mothers often feel lonely and isolated. These emotions are probably familiar to every woman on maternity leave, but for immigrant families the situation may be more acute: lack of support (relatives and friends stayed in Ukraine, Russia), a new country, a different language and an unfamiliar culture create barriers for socialization.
In the US, moreover, in most cities you need a car and driver's license to move freely. The library became one of the first places where mothers with babies began dating other children and adults. The ability to communicate very positively influenced everyone.
Children's departments usually have a separate room for events. Most often there are chairs, tables, cabinets and bookshelves. When reading books, children sit on small chairs or on the floor. Artistic work is performed at the table. There are always enough art materials, musical instruments and dolls-gloves in the rooms. In addition, in some offices, thanks to donations from people, there are toys.
Art materials and toys can be stored in a separate storage room. On the walls are motivational posters and children's creations. Librarians also have a tape recorder for listening to children's songs (audio CDs after class can be taken on your subscription).
Almost all libraries offer programs for children from birth to 5 years like “Narrative Time” (Story time or Story hour) when a librarian reads books to children, often in the costume of some kind of hero or using dolls-gloves and sings classic children's songs with them during breaks (children are provided with simple musical instruments for this). “The time of narration” often ends with an art project (such as an application).
Libraries are increasingly developing children's programs based on a new approach, in which the emphasis is on the natural behavior of preschoolers related to reading and writing. During narration hours, children's librarians focus less on learning colors and shapes and recognizing letters and try to create more situations for children in which they could talk.
Children are encouraged to tell their own "stories", "write down" personal ideas, and carry out their own "ideas." Techniques such as art and drama are designed to prepare the child for reading.
Thanks to all who joined us for Dia! Children's Day @Geneva_Library for stories, crafts, music & more! pic.twitter.com/vvJ7m1Pv6W
- Geneva_Library (@Geneva_Library) May 1, 2017
Parents can also borrow these methods and, for example, give a child pencils or felt-tip pens after reading a book so that he can draw or write about his impressions. In addition, you can allow your child to make audio recordings of his own stories or a costume show.
In addition to reading, crafts and puppet shows, science evenings, performances by musical performers and shows of exotic animals also become popular events in libraries. Very often hours of free play are planned when children simply play at will.
In some libraries, preschoolers are invited to come read the dog, specially trained to work with children. Such events attract people to libraries, and thus create more opportunities for literacy. They also enrich the knowledge children learn from books.
XnUMX kids had fun reading to Skye, a therapy dog.
How do I sign up to a therapy dog? pic.twitter.com/7hY1k6ls5L
- Chris Cowan (@Chris_Cowan) January 25, 2017
From the first years of life
Literacy begins to develop almost from birth. During the first years of life, children benefit greatly from the pre-reading experience, the library insists. Activities help children focus their eyes and recognize objects, as well as reinforce basic concepts.
On weekends, children are often accompanied by more family members - those who do not have the opportunity to spend time with the child during the week (for example, fathers or mothers work). The opportunity for physical intimacy with others is also critical to a child's emotional and intellectual development.
Librarians are also an important resource for parents. First of all, they collect collections of materials that correspond to a very early age of readers (cardboard books, collections of children's songs, books with large drawings for the study of objects and living beings, books for touch). Secondly, library staff orients adults in choosing books for young children. Third, they can help parents who feel insecure when they read stories to their children by demonstrating various reading techniques out loud.
During Story time, librarians usually read several books for children, singing with them popular children's songs during breaks, the sound of which children improve with the help of special musical instruments - shakers.
Preschool programs help to interest and motivate children to read. Preschoolers who regularly read stories do not necessarily start reading earlier. But when they learn to read, they very quickly move from elementary to high level.
For my toddler and I, preschool programs seem like an enjoyable structured activity. They give children the chance to dream and discover the world through books. I try to invest time in library visits because I understand that it will help my child in reading and later in life.
This is how American libraries change children's lives.
The original column is published on the website. Ukrainian service "Voices of America". Reprinted with the permission of the author and the publication. Translated from the Ukrainian language "New time".
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