Promoting Early Literacy Skills and Student Reading Success

MLIS – Collection Development Kim James

Promoting Early Literacy Skills and Student Reading Success Athens-Clarke County Library

1 – Library and Objectives (150)

The Athens-Clarke County Library (ACCL) is headquarters of the Athens

Regional Library System. Athens-Clarke County is a diverse community of 110,000 residents. In 2008, Athens-Clarke County tied for fourth in the nation for poverty among counties in the same population range and the poorest in Georgia. Since low-income children are more likely to start school lacking in early literacy skills, the county’s lagging K-12 statistics make for an adult population with low educational attainment levels. Research suggests if young children stay on reading level through 3rd grade, then they are more likely to be successful through high school. Since early reading proficiency is vital to student success, it is the responsibility of the ACCL to support community efforts to connect students to expanded learning opportunities and to provide families and teachers with the resources and services they need to promote early literacy and the continued reading success of the community’s children.

2 - Subject Area and Collecting Parameters (150)

The purpose of the proposed collection is to help parents and teachers develop early literacy and language development in children and/or students and to provide educational support materials to teach and reinforce their continued reading success. The

ACCL has both a children’s department, serving children from birth through age 11 and their families, and also a young adult department, serving middle and high school students in the community. The proposed collection is to build on the children’s

1 MLIS – Collection Development Kim James collection, providing the necessary support materials for children and their families and teachers through 5th grade.

The mission of the Athens-Clarke County Libraries is to provide information and gateways to resources which will address the issues and needs of the community. Families in Athens-Clarke County will be assured that the libraries are the finest source in the community for educational, parenting and enrichment materials. (Retrieved from http://www.clarke.public.lib.ga.us/arls/admin/index.html#1)

Although the library’s mission is to provide parents and teachers the necessary resources to ensure student reading success, there are certain materials that the Athens Regional

Library System does not collect due to limited funds and finite resources. “The library does not collect resources whose sole function is to support a school curriculum or any other course of study by individual organizations or institutions.” (Retrieved from http://www.clarke.public.lib.ga.us/arls/admin/index.html#1)

3 – Print Selections

1. Basic Phonics Skills, Level A, by Tanya Dean and Jo Ellen Moore, Evan-Moor Educational Publishers (2004) $29.99

2. Best Practices in Literacy Instruction, edited by Linda B. Gambrell PhD, Lesley Mandel Morrow PhD, Michael Pressley PhD, The Guilford Press; 3rd Edition (2007) $31.60

3. Bridges to Literacy: Children, Families, and Schools, edited by David K. Dickinson, Blackwell Publishing; Oxford (1994) $21.99

4. The CAFE Book: Engaging All Students in Daily Literary Assessment and Instruction, by Gail Boushey 9. and Joan Moser, Stenhouse Publishers (2009) $19.94

5. Children Achieving: Best Practices in Early Literacy, edited by Susan B. Neuman and Kathleen A. Roskos, Newark: International Reading Association (1998) $29.50

6. The Children’s Literature Lover’s Book of Lists, by Joanna Sullivan, Ed.D., Jossey-Bass (2003) $29.95

2 MLIS – Collection Development Kim James

7. Comprehension Connections: Bridges to Strategic Reading, by Tanny McGregor, Heinemann (2007) $23.51

8. Creating Readers: Over 1000 Games, Activities, Tongue Twisters, Fingerplays, Songs, and Stories to Get Children Excited about Reading, by Pam Schiller, Gryphon House (2001), $29.95

9. The Daily Five: Fostering Literacy Independence in the Elementary Grades, by Gail Boushey and Joan Moser, Stenhouse Publishers; 1st edition (2006) $16.57

10. Daily Word Ladders: Grades 1-2: 150+ Reproducible Word Study Lessons That Help Kids Boost Reading, Vocabulary, Spelling and Phonics Skills!, by Timothy Rasinski, Scholastic (2008) $12.43

11. Daily Word Ladders: Grades 2-3, by Timothy Rasinski, Scholastic (2005) $10.87

12. Daily Word Ladders: Grades 4-6, by Timothy Rasinski, Scholastic (2005) $10.87

13. The Encyclopedia of Infant and Toddler Activities: for Children Birth to 3, edited by Kathy Charner, Maureen Murphy, and Charlie Clark, Gryphon House (2006) $19.95

14. Fast Start: Getting Ready to Read: A Research-Based, Send-Home Literacy Program With 60 Reproducible Poems and Activities That Ensures a Great Start in Reading for Every Child, Grades Pre-K-K , by Timothy Rasinski, Scholastic (2008) $22.99

15. Fast Start for Early Readers: A Research-Based, Send-Home Literacy Program with 60 Reproducible Poems and Activities That Ensures Reading Success for Every Child, Grades K-2, by Timothy Rasinski, Scholastic (2008) $22.99

16. Get Ready! For Standardized Tests: Reading Grade 1, by Molly Maack and Carol Turkington, McGraw-Hill; 1st edition (2001) $19.95

17. Get Ready! For Standardized Tests: Reading Grade 2, by Louise Ulrich and Carol Turkington, McGraw-Hill; 1st edition (2001) 14.95

18. Get Ready! For Standardized Tests: Reading Grade 3, by Joanne Baker and Carol Turkington, McGraw-Hill; 1st edition (2001) 19.95

19. Get Ready! For Standardized Tests: Reading Grade 4, by Kris Callahan and Carol Turkington, McGraw-Hill; 1st edition (2001) 14.95

20. Hands-On Phonics Activities for Elementary Children, by Karen Meyers Stangl, Jossey-Bass (2000) $28.50

21. Improving Early Literacy: Strategies and Activities for Struggling Students (K-3), by Wilma H. Miller, Ed.D., Jossey-Bass (2004) $29.95

22. The Infant –Toddler Planning Guide (Chapel Hill Training Outreach Project) Kaplan Press (1998) $44.95

23. Jump into Literacy: Active Learning for Preschool Children, by Rae Pica, Gryphon House; 1st edition (2007) $14.95

24. Literacy Play: Over 300 Dramatic Play Activities That Teach Pre-Reading Skills, by Sherrie West and Amy Cox, Gryphon House (2004) $19.95

25. Phonemic Awareness Activities for Early Reading Success: Grades K-2, by Wiley Blevins, Teaching Strategies (1999) 11.96

26. Phonemic Awareness & Phonics Grades 2-3, by Starin W. Lewis, Carson Dellosa Publishing Company, Inc. (2005) 12.95

27. Phonics Activities for Reading Success, by Rosella Bernstein, Jossey-Bass (1997) $29.95

28. Phonics Pathways: Clear Steps to Easy Reading and Perfect Spelling, by Dolores G. Hiskes, Jossey-Bass; 9th edition (2005) $29.95

29. The Power of Pictures: Creating Pathways to Literacy Through Art, Grades K-6, by Beth Olshansky, Jossey-Bass (2008) $29.95

30. Preventing Reading Difficulties in Young Children, Committee on the Prevention of Reading Difficulties in Young Children, edited by M. Susan Burns, Peggy Griffin, and Catherin E. Snow (1998) National Academies Press; 1st edition $37.95

31. Reading Assessment Tasks, Grade PreK, by Nancy Gist and Becky Becki Dios, Evan-Moor Educational Publishers (2006), $24.99

32. Reading Assessment Tasks, Grade K, by Nancy Gist and Becky Becki Dios, Evan-Moor Educational Publishers (2006), $24.99

33. Reading Assessment Tasks, Grade 1, by Nancy Gist and Becky Becki Dios, Evan- Moor Educational Publishers (2006), $24.99

34. Reading Assessment Tasks, Grade 2, by Nancy Gist and Becky Becki Dios, Evan- Moor Educational Publishers (2006), $24.99

35. Reading Comprehension Boosters: 100 Lessons for Building Higher-Level Literacy, Grades 3-5, by Thomas Gunning, Jossey-Bass (2010) $29.95

36. Reading Games for Young Children, by Jackie Silberg, Gryphon House (2005) $14.95

37. Reading is Funny! Motivating Kids to Read with Riddles, by Dee Anderson, ALA Editions (2009) $42.00

38. Reading Magic: Why Reading Aloud to Our Children Will Change Their Lives Forever, by Mem Fox and Judy Horacek, Mariner Books; 2nd edition (2008) $24.95

39. Reading Skills Competency Tests: Readiness Level, by Walter B. Barbe, Ph.D., Henriette L. Allen, Ph.D., and Brandon B. Sparkman, Ed.D, Jossey-Bass (1999) $29.95

40. Reading Skills Competency Tests: First Level, by Walter B. Barbe, Ph.D., Henriette L. Allen, Ph.D., and Brandon B. Sparkman, Ed.D, Jossey-Bass (1999) $29.95

41. Reading Skills Competency Tests: Second Level, by Walter B. Barbe, Ph.D., Henriette L. Allen, Ph.D., and Brandon B. Sparkman, Ed.D, Jossey-Bass (1999) $29.95

42. Reading Stories for Comprehension Success: Primary Level, Grades 1-3, by Katherine L. Hill, Jossey-Bass (1996) $29.95

43. Reading Stories for Comprehension Success: Intermediate Level, Grades 4-6, by Katherine L. Hill, Jossey-Bass (1997) $29.95

44. Reading with Meaning: Teaching Comprehension in the Primary Grades, by Debbie Miller, Stenhouse Publishers; 1st edition (2002) $20.16

45. Reading Rescue 1-2-3: Raise Your Child's Reading Level 2 Grades with This Easy 3-Step Program, by Peggy M. Wilber Phonemic Awareness & Phonics Grades K-1, Three Rivers Press (2000) $12.95

46. Ready-to-Use Reading Proficiency Lessons & Activities, by Gary Robert Muschla, Jossey-Bass (2001) $32.95

47. Sharing Books Together: Promoting Emergent Literacy Through Reading Aloud and Home-School Partnerships, by Kathleen A. Martin and L. Kay Emfinger, Southern Early Childhood Association (2008) $17.95

48. Starting Out Right: A Guide to Promoting Children's Reading Success, Committee on the Prevention of Reading Difficulties in Young Children, edited

by M. Susan Burns, Peggy Griffin, and Catherin E. Snow (1999) National Academies Press $14.95

49. Story S-t-r-e-t-c-h-e-r-s® for Infants, Toddlers, and Twos, by Shirley Raines, Karen Miller, and Leah Curry-Rood, Gryphon House (2002) $19.95

50. What Really Matters for Struggling Readers: Designing Research-Based Programs, by Richard L. Allington, Allyn & Bacon; 2nd edition (2005) $27.29

51. 7 Keys to Comprehension: How to Help Your Kids Read It and Get It!, by Susan Zimmermann and 56. Chryse Hutchins, Three Rivers Press; 1st edition (2003), $10.20

4 – Selection Tools

1. ALA Editions Professional Library Tools & Resources Catalog for Fall/Winter 2011

2. Amazon.com

3. The Association of Educational Publishers (AEP) Award Winners http://www.aepweb.org/awards/index.htm The AEP Awards recognize the top educational resources for use both in and out of the classroom in multiple categories such as curriculum, periodicals, professional development and technology.

4. Duluth Public Library’s Early Literacy Resources website, retrieved 11-27-2010, http://www.duluth.lib.mn.us/programs/BookTime/Resources.html

5. Great Websites for Kids - American Library Association’s (ALA) Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) http://www.ala.org/gwstemplate.cfm? section=greatwebsites&template=/cfapps/gws/default.cfm

6. Gryphon House Award-Winning Publisher of Early Childhood Resources 2011 Catalog and website www.gryphonhouse.com

7. Jossey-Bass Education 2010-2011 Catalog for Grades K-12 and website www.josseybass.com/go/educationk12

8. K-5 Kaplan Kindergarten through Grade 5 2010 Catalog and website www.k5kaplan.com

9. McGraw-Hill Professional Publishing website http://www.mhprofessional.com/

10. National Education Association (NEA) Magazine Service from Magazineline.com http://www.magazineline.com/nea/homepage.htm

11. School Library Journal for Children’s, Young Adult, and School Librarians, May 2010 Catalog and website www.schoollibraryjournal.com

12. Scholastic.com

13. WT Cox Subscriptions, www.wtcox.com

5. Most Useful Selection Tools for Print Materials (100)

The three selection tools I found most useful for selecting print materials were

Amazon.com, the publishing company catalogs, like Gryphon House and Josey-Bass, and the National Education Association (NEA) Magazine’s online service. Amazon.com and the NEA Magazine’s online sites were the easiest to use by allowing simple subject searches to find relevant materials. But unlike these online sites, the publishing company’s online sites were not as user-friendly and difficult to navigate, so I preferred using their print catalogs. Like Amazon.com, the NEA Magazine’s online service allows users to read reviews to help make selections, limiting personal bias. Amazon’s features that allow users to reference similar materials and to view what other items users purchase along with the selected materials proved very helpful in finding additional materials to purchase.

6. Most Useful Selection Tool for Website and Web Documents (100)

I had difficulty finding a good selection tool for websites and web documents.

Other than basic internet searching using different subject headings and browsing library websites, I was able to use ALA’s Great Websites for Kids to locate websites and

7 MLIS – Collection Development Kim James documents appropriate for teachers and parents. This is a wonderful resource, full of great links to sites that have been reviewed by the American Library Service to Children

(ALSC) division of ALA, but using it as a selection tool was difficult, as I had to spend quite a bit of time going through all the links to find what I needed. But it did eventually lead me to great sites with valuable information for teachers and parents. I also found a great collection of early literacy resources on Minnesota’s Duluth Public Library website which helped locate both print and web resources.

7. Examination of Monographs (250)

Many of the 51 print materials selected focus on how parents and teachers can foster a learning of early literacy skills and language development. It is critical that children develop the language skills they will need for the rest of their lives between birth and age 5. Reading experts have identified six specific early literacy skills that young children need to become successful readers: vocabulary (knowing the names of things), letter knowledge (recognizing them and knowing letters are different from each other), phonological awareness (being able to hear and play with smaller sounds in words), print awareness (noticing print and how to follow words on a page), narrative skills (being able to describe events and tell stories), and print motivation (being interested in and enjoying books). Research indicates that children who enter school with more of these skills are better able to benefit from the reading instruction they receive when they arrive at school.

Other selections support parents and teachers in the continued reading success in children and students through 5th grade. Some selections are appropriate for both parents and teachers, while others were selected specifically for one or the other. Many include

8 MLIS – Collection Development Kim James reproducible activities that can be used at home or in the classroom. Others provide tips or simple steps to follow to help struggling or reluctant readers. Materials were also selected to help parents and teachers prepare their children and students for the standardized tests they must take each year to assess their learning. All Georgia students in grades 1 through 8 are required to take Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests

(CRCT) in the content areas of reading, English/language arts, and mathematics. These tests results play a role in schools Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) measures.

8. Periodical Subscriptions and Justification (150)

There are 14 elementary schools in Athens-Clarke County, 8 of which are Title-1 schools, and only 6 of the schools met Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) for the 2009/10 school year. Children need educational support from parents and the community as well as their teachers. Some of the magazines selected can provide an alternative to books, which can be overwhelming to reluctant and struggling readers, and others can help parents and teachers with lesson plans, family activities and news.

Babybug Magazines are much like a book with stories that families with infants and toddlers can read together. 1 year, 9 issues for $33.95

Ladybug Magazine provides reading opportunities for children ages 2 to 6 and their families. Each issue is filled with charming characters, games, songs, poems, and stories. 1 year, 9 issues for $33.95

The Mailbox® magazines 5 grade-level editions were chosen because they are full of ideas that are adaptable to teacher lesson plans, ready-to-go activities that teach and reinforce core skills, including reading and language development, and grade-specific ideas that claim to keep students and children engaged. Included are the preschool, kindergarten, 1st grade, 2nd and 3rd grade, and intermediate for grades 4-6. Each subscription is $32.95, for a total of $164.75.

National Geographic Kids Magazine offers great stories about wildlife, adventures, other kids, animals, sports, science, technology, terrific places in the world, popular culture,

9 MLIS – Collection Development Kim James and more. The magazine is designed to keep kids reading, thinking, learning and having fun. For ages 6-14. Winner of the NEA’s Periodical of the Year Award. 1 year, 10 issues for $19.95

Nick Jr. Family Magazine provides information to parents with children ages birth to 11 years on child development, news, and products with creative ideas and activities for families to spend time together, including stories to read together. The magazine has won many awards, including AEP’s Periodical of the Year and Golden Lamp Award as well as Parents’ Choice awards. 1 year, 10 issues, for $19.97

9. Nonprint Selections and Justification (100)

Copies of Language is the Key video training program by Washington Learning

Systems were selected for $179 each. The set includes a 20-minute DVD titled Talking &

Books, which shows teachers and parents how to use picture books to teach early literacy skills and promote language development by using dialogic reading techniques. It also includes another 20-minute video titled Talking & Play, which shows how to promote early literacy and language development when children are engaged in play and in everyday activities. It also includes a resource guide with handouts and instruction for trainers. Even though there are numerous web and print documents available with this same information, I believe it is important to have it available in video format so parents and teachers can see the techniques in action. I feel it is justified to purchase 4 copies of the set: 2 in English and 2 in Spanish. An English and Spanish version should be made available for circulation and the other English and Spanish version should be kept as reference material for in-house use for staff to initiate training programs for parents and teachers.

Many of the schools use Reader Rabbit® software and it is important that parents are able to reinforce their child’s learning at home. The software is highly rated by parents and teachers alike, and allows children opportunities to learn using computers as

10 MLIS – Collection Development Kim James an alternative format to print. The following Reader Rabbit® products were selected, by

The Learning Company:

Playtime for Baby and Toddler, $19.99 Toddler, $24.99 Preschool, 24.99 Kindergarten, $9.99 1st Grade, $9.99 2nd Grade, $9.99 Clue Finders 3rd Grade Adventures, $24.99 Clue Finders 4th Grade Adventures, $19.99 Learn to Read with Phonics: Preschool & Kindergarten, $9.99 Learn to Read with Phonics - 1st and 2nd Grade, $24.99 Personalized Reading Ages 4-6, $9.99 Personalized Reading Ages 6-9, $9.99

The following Baby Einstein products by Disney for $19.99 contains a DVD, a music CD, and either a book or discovery cards:

Baby Lullaby Discovery Kit World of Colors Discovery Kit World of Rhythm Discovery Kit World of Words Discovery Kit

10. Websites and Justification (250)

1. American Library Association’s (ALA) Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) Great Websites for Kids http://www.ala.org/gwstemplate.cfm? section=greatwebsites&template=/cfapps/gws/default.cfm The websites listed are reviewed and recommended by the ALA. It is easy to use as the site links are organized by subject and appropriate age-level, including if appropriate for parents and teachers.

2. Georgia Department of Education http://www.doe.k12.ga.us/ci.aspx All parents and teachers should have easy access to the department of education through the library website.

3. Georgia Performance Standards https://www.georgiastandards.org/standards/Pages/BrowseStandards/GPS_by_Gr ade_Level_K-8.aspx This site contains the performance standards that Georgia’s teachers follow and incorporate in their lesson plans by grade level.

4. Georgia Department of Education Online Assessment System https://www.georgiaoas.org/servlet/a2l This site offers CRCT practice tests for students, parents, and teachers.

5. International Children’s Digital Library http://en.childrenslibrary.org/ This site holds a collection of historical and contemporary books from around the world available in online format. The Foundation aspires to have books representative of every culture and every language, and is a nice resource for English as a Second Language (ESL) parents and teachers working with ESL children.

6. Lexile Framework for Reading Website http://lexile.com/ The Lexile framework matches the books measure of complexity with the child’s reading level and is used by schools and state assessment systems. The online “Find a Book ” search utility allows, teachers, librarians and parents to combine a student’s Lexile measure with developmental level of the subject matter and the publisher’s recommended audience to help students select fiction and nonfiction titles that best match their reading preferences.

7. Accelerated Reader (AR) Bookfinder Website http://www.arbookfind.com/UserType.aspx The AR program is a measure that matches the level of the book with the child’s reading level. It is used by many school reading programs. The online “Bookfinder” resource allows students, parents and teachers to search for books by appropriate AR level.

8. Wee Read - The United Way of Northeast Georgia’s Success by 6 Program http://www.unitedwaynega.org/improve_early_learning.html The United Way and the Ferst Foundation for Childhood Literacy have partnered to give books to children from birth through age 5. In 72 counties across Georgia, including Clarke, registered children and their families will receive one free book each month. The purpose is to encourage families to read with their children to promote early literacy skills and kindergarten readiness. Children will receive books by mail through their 5th birthday. Families can mail in their registration forms or complete them online.

9. Washington Learning Systems http://www.walearning.com This website contains resources for parents and teachers that help promote early literacy skills and language development. Resources are available in multiple languages.

10. Reading Rockets http://www.readingrockets.org/

11. URL and Citations of 6 Web Documents and Justification (250)

The ALA-Children’s Book Council (CBC) in cooperation from the ALSC, has created the following 4 bibliographies to provide guidance to parents, grandparents, and others interested in assembling a high-quality library for their children at home (Retrieved from

12 MLIS – Collection Development Kim James http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/alsc/compubs/booklists/homelib/alacbcbuildinghomel bry.cfm on 11-27-2010).

1. http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/alsc/compubs/booklists/homelib/home_library _0to3.pdf Document is for appropriate books for children ages birth to 3 years.

2. http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/alsc/compubs/booklists/homelib/home_library _4to7.pdf Document is for appropriate books for children ages 4 -7 years.

3. http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/alsc/compubs/booklists/homelib/home_library _8to11.pdf Document is for appropriate books for children ages 8 - 11 years.

4. http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/alsc/compubs/booklists/greatreads/greatreads_f inal_lo.pdf Document provides titles for children who are just learning to read and beginning to read on their own. http:www.walearning.com/resources/on-the-go/pdf (retieved from http://www.walearning.com/resources/on-the-go/ on 11-27-2010) These materials include 14 activities that parents can do with their children while “on-the-go” to encourage and promote early literacy skills and language development. I included this website on the list as well because the materials are available in multiple languages, including Spanish, Vietnamese and Russian. http://www.strategiesforchildren.org/Publications/Developing_Readers_Journey.pdf (Retrieved from http://www.walearning.com/articles/handy-hand-out-early-literacy- milestones-on-one-page/ on 11-27-2010) This one-page document shows the typical chronology of early literacy milestones and what adults can do to support the process. Since it is only one page it can be useful as a handout or slide for staff development and parent education.

12. Summary of Expenditures

Monographs – $1230.78 Periodicals – $272.57 Nonprint - $995.76 Total - $2499.11

13. Print vs. Web Selection (150)

Selecting print materials proved much easier than searching for websites and web documents, as the selection tools for print materials were more readily available. The selection tools I consulted for print materials had special features, like materials

13 MLIS – Collection Development Kim James summaries, reviews and similar item location, facilitating easier selection. I was able to select 51 monographs and 9 periodical subscriptions, for a total of 60 print items, whereas

I was only able to select 15 websites and web documents. I feel confident, however, that given more time I could have located more web resources. The selection tools for the print items were not only easier to use, but also easier to find than web selection tools. I spent a lot of time doing basic internet searches using Google to try and locate great websites and documents and also browsing library websites for appropriate materials to select which was a slow and frustrating process given time constraints.

14. Lessons Learned

Selection of appropriate materials to build a collection is a time intensive process.

Building a respectable collection for parents and teachers in the community to help foster early literacy skills and the continued reading success for our children and students in the community is a continual process. I see this document as incomplete and one that I will continue to build on as I continue to serve children and their families throughout my public library career.