CLEARFIELD – Shaw Public Library is hosting a series of story sessions in recognition of the One Book, Every Young Child, Pennsylvania’s first ever collaborative project using the vehicle of a “One Book, One State” program to highlight the importance of early literacy development in preschoolers, ages 3-6 years.
Because it is important for children to be prepared for school, Shaw Public Library’s One Book, Every Young Child event is designed to encourage adults to read aloud, share books and stories and related activities with their preschoolers. These activities have been shown to be crucial to early learning.
The One Book, Every Young Child program goes far beyond just giving parents and caregivers a book to read to preschoolers. The project design is based on studies showing that simply providing a book is not enough.
Adults must find ways to engage the children in activities such as talking about a book’s cover and illustrations, discussing the action in the book and favorite parts, pretend play related to the book and more.
Information and program ideas have been developed by librarians and museum educators from across Pennsylvania to promote the value and benefits of reading early and often to preschoolers and to encourage family bonding through books and reading.
This year’s book selection is “Inside Mouse, Outside Mouse,” written by Pennsylvania children’s author and illustrator Lindsay Barrett George. The Shaw Public Library event will feature the story “Inside Mouse, Outside Mouse.” Cara Artiola, youth services director for the library, will present the story to preschoolers and their families in two different formats and model for parents the techniques for engaging their child in books. The library’s event is designed to reinforce the importance of reading to promote literacy and early learning. This event is free and open to preschool families, but reservations are required.
One Book, Every Young Child Story Sessions will be offered Sept. 7 and Sept. 8 at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.. and on Sept. 11 at 6:30 p.m.
Each program will last approximately one hour, and all preschoolers must be accompanied by an adult and their favorite stuffed animal.
One softbound copy of Lindsay Barrett George’s, “Inside Mouse, Outside Mouse,” will be given to each preschool family in attendance.
Call the Library at 765-3271 or stop by to register.
To learn more about the One Book, Every Young Child initiative, visit www.paonebook.org.
One Book, Every Young Child is sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, Please Touch Museum, State Museum of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Library Association, Pennsylvania Public Television Network, Pennsylvania Center for the Book, Pennsylvania Association for the Education of Young Children, The Pennsylvania Child Care Association and Verizon. This program also is supported in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the state of Pennsylvania.