"Many, if not all, public library systems provide story time for their preschool-aged patrons. These story times focus on early literacy skills to help get children ready to read. We often market these programs as helping to prepare children for preschool. This is because we know that early exposure to singing, talking, and reading sets children up to become successful readers. However, there is even more that the library can offer in terms of school readiness programs," writes Anna Melvin on the ALSC blog.
Inspired by professional development trainings hosted by DC Public Schools, she put together a four day program she runs to simulate a typical school day for kids entering school for the first time. Each day includes circle time, a group read-aloud, a group craft, and different stations for the kids and their grown-ups to work through at their own pace.
The program went over extremely well with Melvin's patrons, "Many of the patrons who attended still discuss last summer’s program with me a year later. I also had families inquiring about the program for this summer back in January! Because of the previous year’s success, I am able to host this program again and get even more children ready for preschool."
To read the whole article (check out the planning spreadsheet Melvin links to at the end that includes each days activities and schedule), stop here. [Little Learners: Getting Ready for PreK at the Library. Anna Melvin. ALSC blog. July 29, 2025.]
You may also some useful tips for school readiness in Lindsay Barrett's 4 Ways To Stress Less About Kindergarten Readiness post on the Read Brightly blog. While geared towards caregivers, there are some ideas that could be adapted to a library program setting.
Stop here to read her post. [4 Ways To Stress Less About Kindergarten Readiness. Lindsay Barrett. Read Brightly blog. undated.]
Do you have a program similar to this a your library? What as been your experience with it?
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