Idaho Commission for Libraries

Every Child Ready to Read Family Workshops is a six week program that involves young children and their parents in learning about the six early literacy skills that help prepare children to be successful in school.
 
The Public Library Association (PLA) and the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) incorporated the latest research into a series of parent and caregiver workshops to provide public libraries with vital tools to help prepare parents for their critical role as their child's first teacher.
These tools were developed by Dr. Grover C. Whitehurst and Dr. Christopher Lonigan, well-known researchers in emergent literacy, and have been tested and refined by library demonstrations sites around the country. The National Research Council recommends that children enter school with early literacy skills that serve as the foundation for learning to read and write. Children who enter school with more of these skills are better able to benefit from the reading instruction they receive when they arrive at school.
 
Idaho has adapted this information into a workshop series for parents and caregivers and children. Once a week, for six weeks, parents and their children attend an Every Child Ready to Read Workshop. One of the six early literacy skills is highlighted each week and parents have a chance to practice the skill with their child during the 45-minute workshop. They also get a book each week that goes with the skill to take home to keep and use with their child. Fun interactive activities, practical tips, and resources are shared during each session. During one of the sessions, parents hear from a public school representative on what the school expects from children entering school.
 
At the end of the six-week session, each family will have received six books, a book bag, other materials and great information to help prepare their children for school.
 
 
Resources for 2008 - 2009 Participating Libraries
 
We are no longer accepting new applications for the 2008 - 2009 program year. Please visit us in the spring of 2009 for application information.