Getting babies into books with early literacy programs

For Immediate Release
Tue, 10/07/2014

Contact:

Dan Freeman

eLearning Manager

ALA Publishing

ALA Publishing

editionscoursehelp@ala.org

CHICAGO — ALA Editions announces a new iteration of its popular eCourse, Getting Babies into Books with Early Literacy Programs. Kathy Kirchoefer will serve as the instructor for a five-week facilitated eCourse starting on Monday, Nov. 3, 2014. This is a four-week course that has been extended an additional week to accommodate the Thanksgiving holiday.

In those moments when a baby relaxes and cuddles in your lap as you read them a book, a wonderful thing is happening—that baby is learning that books contain words, pictures and stories which are captivating. You can start teaching early literacy skills to babies before they can even speak!
 
Whether you’re preparing programs for babies in your library or community center, teaching early literacy skills to daycare providers, or providing support to new parents in an outreach program, this eCourse is packed with practical tips that will make your work easier and more productive, as well as more fun and effective for babies and their caregivers.

eCourse outline

  • Introduction
  • The Who, What, When and Where of Baby Programs
  • All About Babies (A Primer on Baby Development)
  • The Grown-Ups in the Room
  • Baby Program Components Overview: A Session in Action
  • Beyond Storytime:  Other Baby Program Ideas
  • Rhyming Time:  Why Mother Goose?
  • Beyond Rhyming Time:  Songs, Books, Action Rhymes
  • Early Literacy:  A Quick Overview
  • Baby Programming Nitty Gritty: Resources and Other Tools

About the Instructor

Kathy Kirchoefer has over 10 years' experience shaking the "sillies" out of librarians at trainings and inspiring others to develop programs for babies and the grown-ups who love them.   She started leading baby storytimes in 1998 and continues to introduce babies to the wonders of books and their caregivers to all the bouncing, tickling and cuddling that goes along with it. She currently heads the children’s department at a large suburban public library in Maryland.

Registration for this ALA Editions facilitated eCourse, which begins on Monday, Nov. 3, can be purchased at the ALA Store. Participants in this course will need regular access to a computer with an internet connection for online message board participation, viewing online video, listening to streaming audio (MP3 files) and downloading and viewing PDF and PowerPoint files.

ALA Editions publishes resources used worldwide by tens of thousands of library and information professionals to improve programs, build on best practices, develop leadership, and for personal professional development. ALA authors and developers are leaders in their fields, and their content is published in a growing range of print and electronic formats. Contact ALA Editions at (800) 545-2433 ext. 5843 or editionscoursehelp@ala.org.

ALA Store purchases fund advocacy, awareness, and accreditation programs for library professionals worldwide.