Engaging Toddlers in Active Early Learning

Stephanie C. PratoDirector of Play to Learn Servicessprato@fflib.org

FFL Early Literacy Webinar Series, in partnership with CLRC

Kristen HanmerCataloging & Processing Managerkhanmer@fflib.org

Background • What is Early Literacy?• Developmental Stages• Every Child Ready to Read• Talk & Sing • Read & Write• Play

What is Early Literacy?

Why is it important?• Children who start

kindergarten with good pre-reading skills have an advantage!

• Reading skills determine academic success in later grades.Citation: ALSC/PLA, Divisions of the

American Library Association. (2011). “Every Child Ready to Read.”

Pre-Reading Skills

Developmental Stages12-24 Months 2-3 Years

Citation: “Your Baby’s Development Handouts.” www.zerotothree.org

• Toddlers are MOVING

• They can scribble.• They can

understand simple questions and directions.

• Their feelings can be hard for them to handle.

• They can run, jump and climb.

• They can draw lines. • They are asking

questions.• They enjoy pretend

play.• They want to make

friends, but may still need help sharing.

Every Child Ready to Read (ECRR)

• Print Awareness• Letter Knowledge• Phonological

Awareness• Vocabulary• Narrative Skills• Print Motivation

Six Skills Framework • Focus on parent

education through workshops

• Involves two sets of skills:decoding & comprehension

The Five Early Literacy Practices

Talk

Sing

• From the time they are infants, children are learning about language by listening to you talk!

• Songs and rhymes help children hear the smaller sounds that make up words.

The Five Early Literacy Practices

Read Write• Shared reading is

the single most important early literacy activity.

• Drawing and scribbling are important precursors to writing

The Five Early Literacy Practices

PLAY!• Children learn through play• Incorporate play into everything you do

Fayetteville Free Library (FFL) Collections & Space

• Spaces that Support Early Literacy

• FFL Family Room• Board Books & Picture books

Spaces that Support Early Literacy

FFL Family Room

Before After

Tips for Reading with Toddlers

• A few minutes is okay!• Try singing a book or talking about the

pictures• Make it interactive• Ask questions and have a conversation

Choosing Books for Toddlers

• Books with humorous pictures and words

• Books that tell simple stories or rhyme.

• Books about counting, the alphabet, shapes or sizes. 

• Animal books, vehicle books, books about playtime.

• Pop-up books, pull-the-tab books, touch-and-feel books.

for more

Board Books & Picture BooksEasily Accessible and Shelved in Categories

Visit fflib.org/early-literacy for the list of categories

FFL Ready to Read Kits• 25 kits on different

topics• Each kit includes:

– 3 picture books– information sheet

with early literacy tips, rhymes, and extension activities

Fayetteville Free Library (FFL) Programs

• First Steps• Music and Movement: Toddler &

Preschool Edition• Art Lab• Smartplay• Siblings welcome!

First StepsProgram Outline • Walking hello song• Clap names• Action rhymes &

Songs• 2-3 Books• Read a long or “focus

book”• 2 Play activities • Thank you rhyme• Goodbye Song

Music and MovementToddler and Preschool EditionTools• Singing and Music

CDs• Instruments• Parachute, balls,

tunnel

• Body awareness• Rhythm, balance • Fine and gross motor

skills

Skills:

Art LabProgram Ideas • Finger-painting• Clay/playdough

sculptures• Chalk• Pastels• Paper collages

Smartplay

Create enriching, temporary play spaces

Siblings Welcome!

• Older children can be great role models

• Encourage caregivers to involve younger siblings when possible

References and ResourcesALSC/PLA, Divisions of the American Library Association. (2011). “Every Child

Ready to Read.”Diamant-Cohen, B. and Ghoting, S. (2010). The Early Literacy Kit: A Handbook

and Tip Cards. American Library Association.ZERO TO THREE: National Center for Infants, Toddlers and Families. (2014).

“Tips for Choosing Books with Babies and Toddlers.” zerotothree.orgZERO TO THREE: National Center for Infants, Toddlers and Families. (2014).

“Tips for Sharing Books with Babies and Toddlers.” zerotothree.orgZERO TO THREE: National Center for Infants, Toddlers and Families. (2014).

“Your Baby’s Development.” (Handouts). zerotothree.orgZERO TO THREE. (2008). Getting ready to read: Helping your child become a

confident reader and writing starting from birth. Retrieved from www.zerotothree.org/child-development/early-language-literacy/cradlingliteracy_ready2read_8-14-09.pdf

Thank You!Do you have any questions?

Fayetteville Free LibraryHomepage: www.fflib.orgFAQs for Librarians: www.fflib.org/makerfaqsEarly Literacy: www.fflib.org/early-literacyMaking! www.fflib.org/makeTwitter: @fayettevillelibFacebook: facebook.com/fayfreelibrary

Susan ConsidineExecutive Director Fayetteville Free Librarysconsidine@fflib.org @sconsidine