MindFULLNess - Early Years Appiness

Project Outline North Ayrshire MindFULLNess for Early Years brings together library resources and families, using educational apps to help parents/carers to support their child’s learning.

Why MindFULLNess? To support very young children and their families to develop digital skills. To involve very young children in interactive learning, to improve their longer term skills, attainment and achievement by giving them the best possible start. Building on the literacy and skills development of Bookbug. Continue to build on our digital engagement and develop capacity in our communities.

Project Delivery Four week curriculum covering internet safety/interactive books, literacy, numeracy and music and art/science and technology. Demonstration of apps to parents/carers and then hands-on session for children. Technology includes iPad, iPod touch and Android tablet.

Participants Early Years Centres Parents’ Groups. Primary School Nursery Parents’ Groups. Parents/carers targeted through Bookbug sessions in libraries.

‘This will be great for my wee boy. He’s very visual, and he loves that water noise’ - parent using the Itsy Bitsy interactive book with a child with some sensory issues’ ‘I'm such a technophobe, but I know I need to learn this to help my daughter’ ‘This is great fun’ ‘I cant believe how clear the pictures and sounds are’ ‘I have downloaded the library App and a few stories, I am very happy with them’ ‘ I downloaded my first app this week ’

MindFULLNess - Older People Appy Days

Project Outline MindFULLNess brings together library resources and older people, offering a range of activities to stimulate the mind. The project aims to improve health and wellbeing, increase digital participation and learning opportunities for older people in North Ayrshire.

Changing demographics in North Ayrshire indicate that by 2018 the number of people of pensionable age will have increased by 7% and those over 75 by 29.1%. We’re conscious that the minds of our residents are slowing and that reading groups, mental stimulation and group discussion can alleviate loneliness, mental deterioration and alleviate feelings of isolation. Why MindFULLNess?

Who are the Participants? Older learners Older people and staff in residential care homes, sheltered housing units and reached through our partners for e.g. Alzheimer Scotland Library staff Volunteers – (Computer Buddies, carers, befrienders)

Project Delivery Digital skills workshops delivered in Wi-Fi venues throughout North Ayrshire. Workshops provide opportunities to explore a range of technology (iPads, iPods, eReaders) and to learn how to access the library’s online services and use a range of apps. Online photograph collection of North Ayrshire (Yesterdays Project) used as a tool to develop digital skills and stimulate group discussion and reminiscence.

Next Steps Develop a specialist reading group and incorporate music and poetry. Continue to deliver Digital Skills workshops. Train Computer Buddies to deliver Digital Skills tuition to support small groups and individuals.

‘ I’m more aware of what’s available in the library service. I really enjoy the group, the company, relaxing and the socialising.’ ‘My son, he knows all this stuff. I’ll be able to tell him I know what he’s talking about.’ ‘It’s just great, what you can do. I’d like to communicate with my son in Australia.’ (participant who is now interested in the Computer Buddy Scheme in the library) ‘Seeing the old photos, it puts me in mind of the stories I can tell about them.’ ‘It’s been a pleasure hen. You’ve really taught me something today.’ ‘They really enjoy it and it’s good for them to get an idea about modern technology and what it does.’ ‘It’s great to see them interacting with modern technology and there’s always at least one who puts it on their Christmas list!’

Mhairi Cook Team Leader - Children's Literacies and Arts Tel: Lisa Morton Lifelong Learning Co-ordinator Tel: