1. LEAP Literacy Education At Play: A Collaboration Between Public and School Librarians Laura Antolin – Evanston Public Library Sue Jicha – Evanston/Skokie District 65 Chris Skoglund – Evanston/Skokie District 65 Amy Wharton – Evanston/Skokie District 65

2. Preschool outreach Knowledge of the alphabet at kindergarten entry is a strong predictor of reading ability in 10th grade LEAP

3. combines Every Child Ready to Read Play Literacy LEAP

4. Every Child Ready to Read Print Awareness Phonological Awareness Print Motivation Vocabulary Letter Knowledge Narrative Skills 6 skills key to getting ready to read

5. Play Literacy Play is like a gold mine in its potential for facilitating literacy. --Gretchen Owocki

6. Play Literacy Children learn best through play Children love to imitate adults Play is safe

7. LEAP Kindergarten

8. The Research on Play

9. -- Vivian Gussin Paley

10. “Children now spend far more time being taught and tested on literacy and math skills than they do learning through play and exploration, exercising their imaginations.” -- Crisis in Kindergarten

11. Play is essential to development because it contributes to the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being of children and youth. --American Academy of Pediatrics

12. The Powerful Lessons of Play Use of Language Better Social Skills More Empathy Engagement with Peers Development of Problem- Solving Skills Enhancement of confidence Expansion of Vocabulary Higher levels of thinking More self-control and less aggression While also providing students with a meaningful context for literacy.

13. LET’S PLAY!

14. LEAP Lessons in a nutshell: 1.Introduce subject, present vocabulary, read lead story, engage in discussion 2.Review vocabulary, read a second story, model play. 3.Read a third story, review play scenario and have the children play 4.Engage in play again with extension activities

15. HOW DO I MAKE THIS WORK AT MY SCHOOL? Audience Funding Developing Materials

16. TIME TO EXPLORE!

17. Words on washing machine, sorting baskets, detergent bottle Rhymes in lead book, Washing Machine poem Making the story time fun - connecting book with activity Specialized laundry vocabulary Sorting and sequencing, alphabet on take home t-shirt Laundry Play Literacy

18. Construction Play Literacy TIME TO EXPLORE! Construction poem Making the story time fun - connecting book with activity Specialized construction vocabulary Names on construction helmets Working from plans/ planning and constructing a building

19. TIME TO EXPLORE! Menu, guest checks/order forms Rhymes in lead book, Pizza poem Making the story time fun - connecting book with activity Specialized pizza vocabulary Menu writing, taking orders, name on pizza hat Ordering and selling pizza scenarios Pizza Play Literacy

20. TIME TO EXPLORE! Words on medical chart, calendar page, name on Doctor badges Making the story time fun - connecting book with activity Specialized medical vocabulary Writing on medical chart, appointment cards, name on Doctor badges Role-playing veterinarian scenario Veterinarian Play Literacy