Early Literacy Play Spaces at Hennepin County Library Presented by Tracy Hvezda-Lehtola Youth Services Librarian
Introducing Play in the Library
5 Early Literacy Practices
Early Literacy Traveling Team (ELTT)
Our Process 1.Meet with library staff to learn about their hopes and dreams for their early literacy play space. 2.Create a purchase list of play items that fit with their vision and their community. 3.Schedule a date for installation. 4.Provide play training for all staff. 5.Pair each Youth Services librarian with a mentor from the ELTT.
letters, numbers, color mixing, earth science, life science, engineering, creativity Light table
Dollhouse imaginative play, narrative skills, vocabulary building, community building, social skills, creativity
Science & Math logic, problem solving, observation skills, sorting & measuring, vocabulary building
Reading &Writing mark-making & pre-writing practice, letter recognition, hand-eye coordination, exploration of artists’ tools
Pair Collection with Play Activity
Rotate Play Activities
Consider a Theme
Caregiver Prompts
Considerations for Size
Traveling Play Kits
Explore new possibilities!