The Five Literacies in the Lives of Children

Moms, dads, nannies and grammas of children enrolled in story time programs often ask me after class, "Where do you get the idea for today's programs?" I usually don't have a simple answer to this question. Everything motivates my story time content from formal sources like the Early Childhood Learning Standards to a more organic approach like a story time about Guinea Pigs which features Weezy, our official library pet. Since January though, the Youth Room has been creating and implementing some children’s programs and services based on the new PA Forward: Pennsylvania Libraries initiative. Why? Not because I am required to, but because I want to; the initiative is simple, smart and fun! The PA Forward initiative establishes new public-private partnerships and builds on the belief that libraries are uniquely positioned to help Pennsylvanians (including your preschooler!) improve their command of the five types of literacy. These literacies are essential to greater success in all important areas of life.   We are attempting to have implemented at least one program that applies to each of the five literacies within the first five months of 2012. Listed below are the five basic literacies and some of our programs, services and partnerships that are helping us reach this goal. Who knows - your child may have attended a literacy program already without even knowing it! (That often happens when they're having fun.)   The Five Basic Literacies and Applicable 2012 Youth Room Programs   Basic Literacy: Author Visit -  Cory Geishauser, Author Visit - Rachel DiAndrea   Informational Literacy: Children's eBooks, Digital Camera focused Elementary field trips   Civic and Social Literacy: Humane Society Visit and donation drive, NAACP community clothing drive   Health Literacy: "Erin's Story," "Food Fables for Your Table" with presentation by Blair Medical Associates Rep., Eye Screenings and story time by Clearfield/Blair Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired   Financial Literacy: "Piggy Bank Tales" with visits by Citizen's Bank Rep.   To learn more about the Five Basic Literacies, PA Forward, or children's programs, please visit www.paforward.org or call the Youth Room at (814) 946 - 0417 ext. 123.