Creating Literacy-Based Programs for Children: Lesson Plans and Printable Resources for K—5

This comprehensive text provides ideas for a wealth of literacy-based programming for public and school libraries. Baker, an early childhood specialist and librarian, describes the essential skills that children must master before learning to read and discusses the best practices for achieving them. The book examines various literacies—phonological, print, social, digital, and multisensory—as well as cognitive skills and individual social and personality traits and details the process of choosing, planning, and scheduling events that range from readers theater to discussion groups to impromptu programs. Samples of lesson plans are arranged by age group, and there are suggestions for possible partnerships with community agencies and tips on marketing and advocacy. The author emphasizes the necessity of understanding different learning styles. Particularly helpful is the section about the opportunities to create programs for children on the autism spectrum, kids with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or those who may have mobility, visual, or audio difficulties. The text offers ideas for adapting space and equipment for a variety of learning challenges. An appendix includes useful resources, such as sample patron surveys, check lists, and release forms.