General Meeting - May 15, 2008
A special presentation on Early Learning with Families-ELF by Barbara Neder, READ/OC
The California State Library (CSL) launched the Early Learning with Families (ELF) initiative in the summer of 2006. Its purpose is to help further strengthen public libraries in their important role as community centers helping families, caregivers and childcare providers acquire the resources and skills necessary to support the healthy development of very young children.
ELF is a resource for libraries as well as parents and caregivers. Has a focus on 6 pre-reading skills: Narrative Skills, Print Motivation, Vocabulary, Print Awareness, Letter Knowledge and Phonological Awareness.
Other resources and agencies highlighted during the session:
Literacy, Food, & Fitness (LFF)
Pat Jarvis, Families for Literacy Coordinator, developed a user-friendly, complete curriculum on healthy choices called Literacy, Food, and Fitness (LFF). The material is designed to be used during an FFL, MLLS, or library story time and includes an overview of the principles covered, story time tips, suggestions for books, finger plays and songs, parent handouts in English and Spanish, and more.
Children and Families Commission of Orange County
Kid Builder activities are an easy way to help your child grow in six areas: mind, words, body, relationships, safety and health.
The Kid Builder activities and information presented on this site are available as free downloadable material (Adobe pdf.) In: English, Spanish and Vietnamese.
First 5 California
is dedicated to improving the lives of California’s young children and their families through a comprehensive system of education, health services, childcare, and other crucial programs.
Annual Conference: May 22-23 in Anaheim CA
Pierce County Library System: Early Learning Resources
dedicated to helping parents and caregivers by providing excellent resources: These include Storytimes for Babies, Toddlers and Preschoolers, packets of books for babies and theme packets for preschoolers, lists of excellent books, Stars accredited trainings, book bag deliveries, entertaining and educational programs at the library branches, and skilled Children’s Librarians that can lead you to fun and helpful resources:
Literacy Adventures - ideas and books about 15 topics, including: Airports, Bath Time, Bus Rides and Dining Out.
Podcasts about each of the Six Pre-Reading Skills
Zero to Three
A national nonprofit multidisciplinary organization that supports the healthy development and well-being of infants, toddlers and their families.
Libraries in Southern California with ELF programs:
Alhambra, Beaumont, Los Angeles County, Downey, Glendora, LAPL, Mission Viejo, Monterey Park, Oceanside, Ontario, Orange County, Oxnard, Palm Springs, Palos Verdes, Pomona, Rancho Cucamonga and Riverside County.
