Background
Early literacy is the development of communication and language skills that prime children to be able to read and write later in life. The MBLC supports the role of public libraries in early literacy through coordinating resources and federal grants for special projects. The resources below can help libraries and staff develop early literacy programs and services grounded in research and best practices.
Early Literacy Resources and Trainings
Every Child Ready to Read (ECRR) provides guidance in the six pre-reading skills and five early literacy practices. ECRR was developed by the Public Library Association (PLA) and the Association for Library Services to Children (ALSC) and is based on current brain development research.
Jbrary…tune in for storytime success
Created by two children’s librarians, this site focuses on storytime resources including songs, rhymes, and other relevant topics. It includes both a blog and a youtube channel.
PBS KIDS for Parents offers age-by-age tips and activities for children ages 2-8 on a variety of developmental topics, including literacy.
Reimagining School Readiness Toolkit
The Reimagining School Readiness (RSR) Toolkit offers research-backed resources for librarians to help families prepare children ages 0 to 8 for success in school and in life. A number of the resources support skills and practices related to early literacy.
Developed by the Colorado Libraries for Early Literacy in partnership with Rocky Mountain Public Broadcasting Services, this collection of videos is designed to model to library staff, families, and caregivers songs, rhymes, and fingerplays appropriate for early childhood.
Supercharged Storytimes provides training in how to intentionally apply research-based practices to boost early literacy in young children attending library storytime. The self-paced multi-module course is available at no cost to Massachusetts librarians through WebJunction. The training was developed with funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and OCLC.
Touchpoints in Libraries is designed for all professionals working in any library setting who want to deepen their engagement with families. Staff at MBLC and Mass Library System (MLS) are certified trainers who have previously offered this training to Massachusetts public librarians.
Child Development
Center on the Developing Child
The Center on the Developing Child focuses on making the science of early childhood development accessible and actionable. The site offers a variety of resources and materials on topical areas related to early childhood development.
Mind in the Making provides professionals, families, and the general public with in-depth training and materials based on research focused on the science of children’s brain development and learning.
National Association for the Education of Young Children
The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) offers research-based resources, publications, and professional development opportunities aimed at early childhood educators.
ZERO TO THREE offers training, resources, and tools aimed at helping families and professionals understand the importance of child development in the first three years.
Reading-centered Organizations
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten promotes reading to newborns, infants, and toddlers. Public libraries are frequent program partners. A list of participating Massachusetts libraries can be found on their website.
Read Aloud 15 MINUTES focuses on encouraging daily reading aloud starting at birth. The site offers resources aimed at libraries, educators, childcare providers, and families.
Reading Rockets provides research-based strategies to help a child become a skilled reader. The site includes resources, guides, and information relevant to librarians, teachers, childcare providers, and families.
Standards and Guidance
While aimed at more formal learning environments, library staff may find the information helpful in planning programs and developing resources to support early literacy.
Massachusetts Early Learning Guidelines for Infants and Toddlers - These guidelines are designed for educators and program administrators in planning and evaluating curricula for infants and toddlers. It also provides a comprehensive view of how experiences shape infants' and toddlers' development.
Guidelines for Preschool and Kindergarten Learning Experiences - The Guidelines for Preschool Learning Experiences is designed to be used by educators and program administrators in planning and evaluating curriculum for children in preschool and Kindergarten in early education and care programs.
Preschool and Kindergarten Standards in Social-Emotional Development and Approaches to Play and Learning - These standards focus on development and promoting self and social knowledge, self-management, relationship skills, responsible decision-making, initiative, curiosity, engagement, persistence, creativity, cooperative play, problem-solving, organizational skills, and memory.