For the past fifteen years, the Idaho Read to Me program has brought together library staff from around the state who are actively reaching out to Idaho families to promote early literacy, or who would like to begin early literacy outreach efforts. The 2012 annual Read to Me meeting will provide a forum to celebrate our accomplishments in early literacy and outreach, and work together to bring new and exciting programs and practices to libraries throughout Idaho.

Whether you or your staff members are experienced in early literacy programming or just starting out, you’ll find the agenda is full of fun and exciting ideas, research-based best practices, and program opportunities that will benefit the young children, families, and child care providers in your community.

Date: Monday and Tuesday, March 5 and 6, 2012
Location: Oxford Suites, Boise

Cost: There is no registration fee, and lunch will be provided on both days. Travel and lodging are provided for up to two staff members per library. Participants are responsible for making their own travel arrangements and will be reimbursed at the state rate (see Travel Information).

AGENDA

Monday, March 5, 2012, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

9:00– Registration

9:30Welcome and introductions

Morning activities will include a celebration of 15 years of Read to Me, and project coordinators will share where the program is headed for the future. Then we’ll follow-up on Enhanced Storytimes, which we introduced at last year’s meeting. Dr. Roger Stewart will share the results from the study we did last spring, and we’ll do some hands-on activities and table sharing. We’ll wrap up the morning session with Child Care Outreach. Whether you’re just getting started or ready to take your outreach to a higher level you’ll appreciate hearing success stories from other libraries and learning about the resources RTM has available this year.

During lunch we’ll take a “virtual bus tour” around the state to see how libraries are implementing best practices in early literacy. There will also be time for libraries to network and share ideas.

Get ready to play in the afternoon! We’ll begin with research about children’s access to print materials, then narrow the focus to how libraries can incorporate literacy concepts into different types of children’s play. We’ll hear from libraries who are working together to create and share play literacy resources, you’ll receive some resources to help your library get started, we’ll discuss funding sources, and we’ll wrap up with hands-on activities and table sharing.

Optional evening activities: Library tour and dinner, 5:15 – 7:00 Meeting attendees and their families/friends are invited to tour the Boise Public Library’s Cole and Ustick branch. After the tour feel free to walk across the way to Sockeye Grill, where we’ve reserved the banquet room for a “no host” dinner. See a menu at www.sockeyebrew.com. Transportation/carpools will be arranged earlier in the day.

Tuesday, March 6, 2012, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

8:30- Welcome and announcements

The morning session will be facilitated by Linda Clark, a nationally-recognized early childhood specialist from Bozeman, Montana, and Cindy Christin, Head of Children’s Services at Bozeman Public Library. Linda and Cindy will demonstrate how to incorporate math and science concepts into storytimes and play spaces, and they will share some ideas for Block Play with lots of hands-on activities.

During lunch Shannon Dunstan, Idaho State Department of Education’s Early Childhood Coordinator, will share information about how libraries can partner with developmental preschool programs.

After lunch Stephanie Bailey-White will share about some new programs in the works, and how libraries can support “Access for All Kids.” After a short break participants can choose to attend one of two breakout sessions:

• Opening Doors: Creating Programs for Ages 0-2. Cindy Christin, will present how to get started with or improve programs for babies and toddlers.  

• Small and Rural Libraries. On the RTM meeting evaluations each year participants ask for some time to address the challenges of small and rural libraries in regard to early literacy programs and outreach. This year Stephanie will facilitate a discussion of how small and rural libraries can “dream big”.

We’ll come back together afterward to share out, debrief, and evaluate the meeting, and we’ll end by 3:30 so folks can catch flights and get on the road.

We hope you will consider joining us this year! Seats are limited, so register now. Registration closes February 26, 2012. If you need a hotel room you must register by February 15.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER