Creating & Managing the Full-Service Homework Center

Mediavilla, Cindy. Creating & Managing the Full-Service Homework Center. American Library Association, 2018.
ISBN: 978-0-8389-1618-6

Publisher's Description
Despite the proliferation of online homework websites and tutoring services, public libraries still have an important role to play when it comes to supporting young people’s educational needs. Public libraries that take a proactive approach—by setting up organized homework centers—have the potential to become catalysts for better performance in school, improved self-esteem, and engaged learning. Whether readers are investigating the possibility of setting up a center from scratch or are eager to revamp an existing center, this book shows the way forward with

• discussion of the philosophy behind a public library homework center and its many benefits, with useful talking points for getting stakeholders on board; 
• examples of model programs from across the country; 
• guidance on assessing the community’s educational priorities and utilizing outcome-based planning and evaluation methods; 
• pragmatic advice on how to collaborate with schools and educators to coordinate goals; 
• thorough consideration of such key issues as carving out a space, setting hours, scheduling staff, and selecting and procuring educational resources; 
• handy tools for a successful homework center, including sample surveys, homework helper application forms and contracts, staff and volunteer job descriptions, and focus group questions; 
• advice on equipment and technology considerations; and 
• methodologies for evaluation and improvement. 

This comprehensive resource will help public libraries create and manage a vibrant homework center that effectively serves students while also building community support for the library.

Table of contents (center tab)

Summer Matters: Making All Learning Count

McChesney, E. M., & Wunar, B. W. (2017). Summer Matters: Making All Learning Count. Chicago, IL : ALA Editions.

 Summer reading for children is a long standing and cherished tradition in public libraries across America, but today’s kids need to master new skills and competencies. Today’s summer programming needs to move beyond reading to engage children with hands-on activities, thus keeping their brains active even when school’s out. Here, a team of librarians and educators from the Chicago Public Library (CPL) and Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry present a guide based on their award-winning, STEAM-inspired approach. They outline practical steps for libraries and cultural institutions to partner in creating a sustainable summer learning program that’s both fun and educational. This book

• explains what STEAM is and why it’s important for libraries;
• provides evidence-based research on summer slide, the achievement gap, and 21st century learning skills;
• walks readers through building a cultural partnership, collaborating efficiently, and sustaining the relationship into the future;
• offers tips for managing institutional change;
• provides guidance for developing a new vision for summer at the library, with pointers on adding learning tracks to existing programs and addressing design challenges;
• details how CPL evaluates and assesses their program; and
• includes templates for a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), mission statement, logic model, and sample Summer Learning Challenge evaluations.

Loaded with innovative program ideas, this resource will ensure that learning continues even while school is out.

(book description)

The Makerspace Librarian's Sourcebook

Kroski, E. (2017). The Makerspace Librarian's Sourcebook. Chicago, IL: ALA Editions.978-0-8389-1504-2.

Note from Katie: This books is a good resource for anyone who does technology programming (STEAM), even if they do not have a dedicated makerspace. It provides background information on Legos, Raspberry Pi, Arduino, and more so is relevant for all ages and types of libraries.

Publisher's description:

Library makerspaces continue to thrive, drawing new patrons in and engaging them as never before. This hands-on sourcebook edited by technology expert Kroski includes everything libraries need to know about the major topics, tools, and technologies relevant to makerspaces today. Packed with cutting edge instruction and advice from the field's most tech-savvy innovators, this collection

• leads librarians through how to start their own makerspace from the ground up, covering strategic planning, funding sources, starter equipment lists, space design, and safety guidelines;
• discusses the transformative teaching and learning opportunities that makerspaces offer, with tips on how to empower and encourage a diverse maker culture within the library;
• delves into 11 of the most essential technologies and tools most commonly found in makerspaces, ranging from 3D printers, Raspberry Pi, Arduino, and wearable electronics to CNC, Legos, drones, and circuitry kits; and
• includes an assortment of project ideas that are ready to implement.

As useful for those just entering the “what if” stage as it is for those with makerspaces already up and running, this book will help libraries engage the community in their makerspaces.

Creating Literacy-Based Programs for Children

Baker, R. L. (2017). Creating Literacy-Based Programs for Children: Lesson Plans and Printable Resources for K-5. Chicago, IL: ALA Editions. 978-0-8389-1500-4.

Publisher's description:

The all-in-one resource you’ve been clamoring for, this book presents a comprehensive package of literacy-based public library programming ideas designed for children in kindergarten through the early tweens. Chock full of strategies and best practices for promoting literacy and reading skill development, it also features numerous planning templates and other materials ready to print and adapt as needed. With specific guidance for improving and streamlining each step of program planning and implementation, this book

• defines literacy and reading skills by grade levels, in addition to information on other developmental stages;
• explains multiliteracies and connects them to programming practices;
• provides step-by-step program planning guides, arranged by grade level, which include book-based programs, clubs, makerspaces, afterschool/study programs, author/guest visits, family/all age programs, impromptu programming, and many others;
• offers STEAM-based programs which connect to science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics;
• gives advice on collaborating effectively with school librarians and teachers to plan school field trips;
• addresses large event and summer reading program planning;
• shows how to program for children with special needs; and
• shares tips and suggestions for getting the word out through advocacy and marketing.

Helping public libraries build outstanding programs from the ground up, this resource will prove valuable a tool for children’s librarians and other programming staff.

Check out this book’s Web Extra now!

Stories, Songs, and Stretches

Scherrer, K. (2017). Stories, Songs, and Stretches! Creating Playful Storytimes with Yoga and Movement. Chicago, IL: ALA Editions. 978-0-8389-1544-8.

Young children love to move—and that’s a great thing! Because in addition to supporting early learning, storytime can provide young children with opportunities to explore physical movement. The centuries-old contemplative movement practice known as yoga is more than just a passing trend; it can offer physical, emotional, and mental benefits to practitioners of all ages, including young children. And getting started with yoga storytime doesn’t require any previous yoga experience. This new book from accomplished library trainer Scherrer shows how to use yoga and movement to create playful, active storytimes.

A complete guide for library staff and others serving young children, this resource draws on Scherrer’s experience as a children’s librarian and a yoga teacher, as well as research from the health and education fields, to introduce yoga, exploring its history while dispelling myths about the practice; demonstrate how yoga and movement can support children’s early learning and social-emotional development; explain the differences between children’s yoga classes and yoga storytimes; lay out step-by-step directions on how to design and launch a yoga storytime program, including guidance on materials selection, the logistical arrangements of physical space, props, and marketing; provide descriptions of more than 35 basic, child-friendly yoga poses suitable for anyone to use with children; offer 12 ready-to-use yoga storytime plans; and include an extensive bibliography of helpful print and online resources for future program planning.Readers will find the complete guidance they need to immediately begin incorporating yoga and movement into their storytime programs.

(book description)

Book Programs & Author Events

Hooper, Brad. (2016). The Librarian's Guide to Book Programs and Author Events. Chicago, IL: ALA editions. 978-0-8389-1384-0.

From hosting authors to planning and coordinating book activities such as book signings and book clubs, libraries are perfect venues for readers to interact directly with authors and their books. And mounting literary programming can be easier than you might think. In this guide Booklist’s Brad Hooper inspires, encourages, and advises librarians in providing a wide range of programming that targets their communities of book lovers. Incorporating interviews from librarians in the field who share insider tips, this resource

• includes step-by-step guidance adaptable to any type of audience, from children and teens to millennials and older adults;
• shows how to plan author readings, coordinate book signings, and put together and moderate an author panel;
• offers marketing and outreach pointers, including interviewing authors for local radio, library podcasts, or webinars;
• lays out the nuts-and-bolts of organizing and hosting book clubs, with suggestions for facilitating book group discussions;
• presents ideas for creating displays of “staff favorites” and other ways to get staff involved and engaged; and
• explores programs for community-wide book events, such as “One Book, One City.”

(Book Description)

Once Upon a Cuento

Naidoo, Jaime Campbell & Scherrer, Katie. (2016). Once Upon a Cuento: Bilingual Storytimes in English and Spanish. Chicago, IL: ALA Editions. 978-0-8389-1411-3.

It is imperative that library programs reflect the rich diversity of the entire community. That includes Spanish-speaking children, who need opportunities to hear their home and school languages spoken, and to see their lives validated through engaging cuentos (stories) that reflect their cultural experiences. Additionally, when combined with other forms of targeted outreach, offering bilingual storytimes in English and Spanish is an effective strategy to attract Latino and Spanish-speaking families to your library. This all-in-one resource, written by two experienced specialists who understand the nuances of library services, collections, and outreach to this population, shows you how. Suitable for libraries just getting started as well as those with programs already in place, this guide

• discusses the importance of bilingual programming in the lives of Latino and Spanish-speaking children, addressing the unique educational and informational needs of bilingual children;
• provides 18 ready-to-use program plans for bilingual storytimes, suitable even for storytime leaders who don’t speak Spanish;
• includes several templates for designing bilingual storytimes, arranged by specific age groups;
• recommends numerous children’s books, songs, and professional resources to assist librarians as they plan their bilingual programs;
• explores the opportunity for digital media usage in storytimes for Latino and Spanish-speaking families, with examples of apps that can help meet the multiple literacy needs of bilingual children; and
• suggests ways to perform outreach to Spanish-speaking and Latino communities, emphasizing the importance of relationship-building and community collaboration.

Enhanced with interviews and advice from experts affiliated with REFORMA (The National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish-Speaking), this book will become a trusted resource for children’s librarians, school library media specialists, outreach and programming librarians, ESL educators, teachers, and professionals in child-care agencies.

(book description)

Supercharged Storytimes

Campana, Kathleen; Mills, J. Elizabeth, and Ghoting, Saroj Nadkarni. (2016). Supercharged Storytimes: An Early Literacy Planning and Assessment Guide. Chicago, IL: ALA Editions. 978-0-8389-1380-2.

Based on the groundbreaking research of VIEWS2—the first systematic study of storytimes done to date—this book recommends simple interactive ways to emphasize early literacy techniques and encourage children to use and practice their pre-reading skills while preserving the delight inherent in storytime. And unlike many other storytime resources, the authors use the findings of VIEWS2 to offer guidance in performing assessment, as well as giving tips for planning and conducting storytimes. Put simply this book assists storytime presenters, children’s librarians, and others involved with early literacy by

• presenting ready-to-use planning tools based on early learning benchmarks with a clear focus on developmental stages;
• demonstrating how to foster early literacy development by inserting the VIEWS2 early literacy domains into the five practices from the second edition of Every Child Ready to Read® @ your Library®;
• interweaving testimonials from storytime practitioners throughout the text to provide real-world insight;
• showing how storytime presenters can connect with parents and caregivers to promote family engagement;
• providing guidelines, worksheets, and recommendations for storytime assessment, with particular attention to self-reflection and peer-to-peer community learning;
• highlighting professional development resources that encourage sharing and problem-solving within the larger community of children’s and youth librarians; and
• providing administrators with research-based evidence that supports current and future advocacy for early literacy in public library programming for children.

Using this book’s systematic approach, readers will be able to plan their storytimes with a clear idea of what to look for in the children they serve, and then continually improve how they meet the needs of their communities.

Check out this book’s Web Extra now!

(book description)

Engaging Babies in the Library

Knoll, Debra J. (2016). Engaging Babies in the Library: Putting Theory into Practice. Chicago, IL: ALA Editions. 978-0-8389-1434-2.

Public libraries across the nation continue to transform themselves into learning centers for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. There are many resources available to help librarians create baby-friendly play spaces and enhanced storytimes, but until now there has been gap in the literature addressing the developmental needs and changing behaviors of babies and toddlers.  Parents and caregivers can also present unique service challenges. Focusing squarely on the how of providing quality library service to babies and families, Knoll’s new book provides sensible, sensitive advice on meeting their physical, emotional, intellectual, and social needs. Geared towards helping public libraries foster healthy growth and development for their littlest patrons, this book:

• explores multiple aspects in the developing life of a baby, discussing physical needs, emotional expressions, intellectual pursuits, and social development;
• highlights real-life examples from public libraries that relate to how these developmental processes present themselves while babies and families interact in the library;
• presents Baby Steps for each topical area, providing service tips and suggestions that can be easily or inexpensively put into practice;
• offers Big Steps, conversational points that invite librarians to think creatively about further investment, support, funding, and collaborative efforts; and
• includes carefully selected research findings and other information that can be used for planning, policymaking, and advocacy.

With Knoll’s guidance, children‘s librarians will be informed and inspired to rise to the challenge of providing quality service to babies, toddlers, and care providers.

 

(book description)

More Storytime Magic

More Storytime Magic by Kathy MacMillian and Christine Kirker. 2016. Chicago, IL: ALA Editions. 978-0-8389-1368-0

MacMillian and Kirker’s knack for creating storytimes that engage and delight young ones have made their previous books bestsellers. Now they’re back with an all new assortment of original fingerplays, transitional rhymes, movement songs, flannelboards, sign language rhymes and other activities to spice up storytimes for ages two and up. This ready-to-go sourcebook for children’s librarians, early literacy specialists, and other adults who work with young children offers everything needed to plan and host quality storytimes, including

• more than a dozen thematic groupings of activities, featuring such fun topics such as “All About Me,” “Bugs and Insects,” “Fairy Tales and Castles,” and “People in my Neighborhood”; 
• recommended storytime books for each theme, along with material lists, patterns for flannelboards and stick puppets, and illustrations of American Sign Language signs; and
• coding for each entry indicating which Common Core State Standards for Kindergarten skills it supports.

(book description)

Transmedia Storytelling

Hovious, Amanda S. Transmedia Storytelling: The Librarian's Guide. Santa Barbara, CA: Libraries Unlimited, 2015.
ISBN: 978-1-4408-3848-4

Definition 
"Transmedia storytelling takes the traditional art of storytelling to a whole new level, delivering a fictional story across multiple media platforms -- whether physical, digital, or both -- to create a truly immersive storytelling experience" (p. 3).

Publisher's Description
This practical and thorough guide offers clear explanations of what transmedia storytelling is and shows how it can be integrated into library programming that fosters multimodal literacy with K–12 learners.

When fictional worlds are brought to life in multiple media—via books and comics or through films, animated shorts, television, audio recordings, and games—it is called "transmedia storytelling." Transmedia storytelling offers children's and teen librarians at public libraries, K–12 school librarians, and educators an effective method for bringing story to youth—a perfect fit for today's media-saturated environment. This book demonstrates how to create new pathways to the future of stories and storytelling.

The book serves as a guide to integrating transmedia storytelling into library programs and services. It defines transmedia storytelling, identifies the key connections between it and 21st-century learning, discusses the role of librarians and libraries in supporting and promoting transmedia storytelling, and provides concrete examples of transmedia programs. The suggested programs—ranging from transmedia storytimes for early literacy learners to maker programs for young adults—can be implemented with different levels of technology capabilities and within numerous library settings. In addition, the book offers practical advice on technology planning for libraries that plan to incorporate transmedia storytelling.

Features

• Offers the first practical guide to transmedia storytelling that gives librarians new ways to create excitement in the library, engage learners, and foster multiple literacies
• Provides complete, step-by-step guidelines for transmedia-rich library programs
• Introduces new areas of research and best practices in technology integration wholly applicable to libraries
• Covers topics such as new literacies, participatory storytelling, learning through gamification, maker programs, using digital badges to motivate young learners, and more

Engaging Young Engineers

Engaging Young Engineers: Teaching Problem-Solving Skills Through STEM by Angi Stone-MacDonald, Kristen Wendell, Anned Douglass, and Mary LuLove. (2015).Baltimore, MD: Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co. 978-1-59857-653-5.

Help young children develop problem-solving skills, and you'll boost their kindergarten readiness and set them up for long-term success in STEM subjects. In this timely and practical book, you'll discover how to support the problem-solving skills of all young children by teaching them basic practices of engineering and five types of critical thinking skills (Curiosity, Persistence, Flexibility, Reflection, and Collaboration)— AND discover how to sharpen all these skills as a teacher! Using a clear instructional framework and fun activities tailored for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, you'll help children birth to 5 explore big ideas and develop new ways of thinking through engaging and challenging learning experiences.

THE BOOK YOU NEED TO

• Support school readiness. The problem-solving framework in this book helps children work toward kindergarten Common Core State Standards, Next Generation Science Standards, and the Head Start Child Development and Early Learning Outcomes Framework.
• Demystify key engineering practices. Prepare kids for success in all STEM areas by teaching four essential engineering principles: think about it, try it, fix it, and share it.
• Boost problem-solving skills with proven activities. All the suggested activities have been piloted and tested in classrooms and incorporate teacher feedback.
• Encourage language and literacy development. Get suggestions for weaving reading into problem-solving experiences, and discover how your use of language can prompt children's thinking skills.
• Promote other skills needed for school success. With the framework and activities in this book, you'll also support development of social-emotional skills, self-regulation, and executive functioning.

PRACTICAL MATERIALS: Classroom activities that incorporate children's books, self-reflection checklists, practical strategies and modifications, Early Childhood UDL Planning Sheets, and blank Experience Planning Templates for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.

(book description)

Teaching STEM in the Early Years

Teaching STEM in the Early Years: Activities for Integrating Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics by Sally Moomaw. (2013). St. Paul, MN: Redleaf Press. 978-1-60554-121-1.


Stimulate and engage children's thinking as you integrate STEM experiences throughout your classroom. These engaging, developmentally appropriate activities maximize children's learning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Each experience combines at least two STEM disciplines and incorporates materials and situations that are interesting and meaningful to children. Use this book to discover the many possibilities for teaching STEM to young children, including ideas for

• Learning centers
• Cooking, art, music, block play, and sensory table activities
• Outdoor time
• A project-centered curriculum
• Quick activities that require minimal preparation
• Field trips

With the growing focus on early childhood mathematics and science, this book is a much-needed resource for every early childhood classroom. It will encourage you to think differently about STEM education, and you will see how easy it is to accommodate curriculum goals and learning standards in math and science activities. 

(book description)

Mathematizing: An Emergent Math Curriculum

Mathematizing: An Emergent Math Curriculum Approach for Young Children by Allen C. Rosales. (2015). St. Paul, MN: Redleaf Press. 978-1-60554-395-6.

Based on years of research with early childhood teachers, author Allen Rosales provides an approach to create an emergent math curriculum that integrates children's interests with math concepts. The mathematizing approach is different from traditional math curriculums, as it immerses children in a process that is designed to develop their understanding of math concepts in real life contexts. This approach has helped hundreds of teachers engage children in meaningful and purposeful interactions that have led to increased math, language, and inquiry skills. Mathematizing makes learning math seem like child's play. . . . and it is! 

(book description)

The Handbook for Storytime Programs

The Handbook for Storytime Programs by Judy Freeman and Caroline Feller Bauer. 

Chicago, IL: ALA Editions. 978-0-8389-1265-2.

Librarians, teachers, parents, and caregivers can energize storytimes and curricula with this informative and entertaining resource filled with engaging and creative ways to integrate storytelling and story-related materials into programs for children, ages birth-12. Readers will find a treasure trove of tales, books, songs, and poems to share, plus a host of exciting and easily adaptable children’s literature-based activities. This handbook provides

• Descriptions of a variety of programs for young children, from lap times for babies to programs for toddlers and nursery school age children, on up to grade 2
• A “quicklist” of 150 thematic program-starters for children ages 1-7, on popular topics such as animals, the natural world, families, vehicles, and holidays
• Story jokes, think stories, convoluted logic puzzlers, scary tales, funny stories, and dozens of other thematic program-starters for tweens
• Methods for telling stories using pictures, objects, crafts, puppetry, songs, creative drama, and magic
• Materials such as story scripts, songs, wordplay, poems, annotated booklists, and non-narrative sources for storytelling
• Guidance to help story programmers pull together cohesive themed programs and story hours

No storytelling programmer will want to be without this expansive and instantly useful handbook.

(book description)

Counting Down to Kindergarten

Counting Down to Kindergarten: A Complete Guide to Creating a School Readiness Program for Your Community by R. Lynn Baker. 

Chicago, IL: ALA Editions. 978-0-8389-1333-8.

The public library is in the perfect position as a community resource to help bridge the gap between preschool and kindergarten; however, starting from scratch can feel daunting. In this guide, Baker combines her background in early childhood education with her experience as a youth services programming specialist to present a school readiness program that can be tailored for any public library. Based on the successful framework of her tried and tested original program, this book offers everything that a public library needs in order to get started, including

• A six-week schedule of detailed lesson plans which combine the best practices of the Every Child Ready to Read® (ECRR) Second Edition (talking, singing, reading, writing, playing) with nationally identified school readiness skills
• A six-month family calendar with activities to help parents engage their children in activities that foster early literacy and school readiness skills at home
• Tips for maintaining a collaborative relationship with early childhood stakeholders and policymakers to help maintain a program that fits the school readiness needs of the local community
• Specific examples of successful school readiness programs and partnerships from public library systems across the country

Baker’s guide will help public libraries ensure that young children are ready for school from day one.
(book description)

Librarian's Guide to Passive Programming

Wichman, Emily T. (2012). Librarian's Guide to Passive Programming: Easy and Affordable Activities for All Ages. Santa Barbara, CA: Libraries Unlimited. 978-1-59884-895-3.

Librarian's Guide to Passive Programming: Easy and Affordable Activities for All Ages presents plans for 32 passive programs designed to capture the attention of library patrons. Each chapter—which contains programs grouped thematically—details the steps necessary to reproduce the programs, and includes supporting handouts, activities, and photographs. This helpful guide also examines what passive programming is, why passive programming is relevant, and offers strategies across all aspects of its implementation—from developing program ideas to evaluating program success.

Features:

• Step-by-step instructions for more than 30 individual programs
• Lists of supplies and resources needed for program implementation
• Alternative approaches for how to adapt the program for in-house or online use
• Strategies for developing, marketing, and evaluating passive programs

Highlights:

• Includes activities for promoting patrons' interest in—and use of—the library
• Details the steps necessary to reproduce the programs
• Provides tips for developing program ideas
• Reveals ways to stretch programming dollars and staff resources

(book description)

DIY Programming and Book Displays

Struckmeye, Amanda Moss and Hetzler, Svetha.  (2010). DIY Programming and Book Displays: How to Stretch Your Programming without Stretching Your Budget and Staff. Santa Barbara, CA: Libraries Unlimited. 978-1-59884-472-6.

Organized around 12 thematic chapters, the book explains how to set up and maintain a do-it-yourself station and offers instructions for a variety of year activities. Reproducible materials and booklists are included as well. Librarians may use the activities as starting points for generating their own ideas or they may simply photocopy materials in the book for ready-to-use, monthly DIY programming. Once set up, the DYI station is available to patrons anytime they are in the library. Best of all, because DIY programs do not rely on staff, space, or special materials, they allow libraries to make the most of their resources without sacrificing patron service.

Features:

• Month-by-month organization, with two programs per month
• Plenty of reproducibles to help librarians get DIY stations up and running in no time
• Photographs or illustrations beginning each chapter
• A thematic, annotated booklist for each chapter

Highlights:

• Offers a one-stop guide to simple, easy, and affordable library activities for children, 'tweens, teens, and families
• Provides flexible, monthly themes as starting points for librarians who can vary the themes—or not—as they wish
• Contains virtually everything a librarian needs to get started, without costly materials or elaborate instructions
• Suggests activities and displays that can each be adapted to various ages

(book description)