It's already the month of March ... Time seems to be moving faster now than it did last year at this time ...
One project that I just completed and wasn't involved with last year was preparing a presentation for local MYCAP Head Start teachers. I correlated 100 (preschool appropriate) picturebooks and some extension activities to the (Ohio) Science Early Learning Content Standards.
This was supplemented by a bibliography of print, online, and audio, science resources. During my presentation, I also made a point to highlight some different storytelling/presentation techniques of the selected picturebooks. For example, I presented a singing technique, magnet/memorized technique, using rhythm sticks technique, and audience participation/dramatization technique. Additionally, I made a point to explain how the pre-reading skills could be emphasized in the presented picturebooks.
While it was an intense project that diverted my focus and time away from my Emerging Leader (EL) involvement, I found it extremely enjoyable and educational. I have a new perspective on children's literature and programming, better knowledge of the collection here at the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County, and a more intense desire to work with children.
It is interesting to note that our EL group has discussed the use of such resources (e.g. bibliographies by development/age, extension activities, collection of related resources) in our own marketing of the Coretta Scott King Awards.
This experience will no doubt play into my work on our EL project.
