The New Jersey State Library, and the Albert Shanker Institute (MN), in partnership with the Newark Public Library, and the American Federation of Teachers – NJ (AFTNJ) has introduced an exciting early literacy program called Book Dives that launched during the summer reading program at the Springfield, Vailsburg and Van Buren branches of the Newark Public Library.
This pilot program introduces children ages 3 – 7 and their families or caregivers to storytimes using appealing informational books on topics of interest to young children. The three topics are trains, music and gardening. Children will be read books about these topics during storytimes led by the Newark Public Library staff. Afterward, families will have the opportunity to check out kits containing a selection of these music, gardening or train books to read together at home. Each of the books in the themed kits uses increasingly more advanced language and vocabulary words to help build the children’s reading and language comprehension to enable them to build their reading confidence and cultivate a love for reading. Each kit includes extension activities related to the theme, as well as vocabulary cards of frequently occurring words found in the books. These extra resources will enhance the children’s reading experience and enable them to become more knowledgeable about the topic.
Susan B. Neuman, Professor of Early Childhood and Literacy Education, and Chair of the Department of Teaching and Learning at NYU’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, serves as a consultant for the project.
After the initial implementation and evaluation of this pilot program, we hope it will serve as a model for other libraries to try for themselves.
If you have any questions about this program, please contact Sharon Rawlins, Youth Services Specialist, Library Development Bureau, NJ State Library, srawlins@njstatelib.org
The Albert Shanker Institute is a nonprofit organization established in 1998 to honor the life and legacy of the late president of the American Federation of Teachers and is committed to the principals of a vibrant democracy, quality public education and a voice for working people.
