San Antonio Public Library LITTLE READ WAGON

Workshop: Early Literacy and Play

2012-01-24T16:51:00.000-06:00

This past Saturday Little Read Wagon staff offered the new "Early Literacy and Play" workshop to a full auditorium of early childhood teachers. As usual, there were some powerful conversations along with a good bit of laughter.

Topics included in the workshop are: library resources, strategies from the Every Child Ready to Read project, patterns of play, and supporting play and early literacy.

This workshop will be offered again in February at the Central Library. Adults who teach children 0-6 years of age are invited to register by first reading the workshop flier and then entering the registration lottery. Participants will be awarded 3 clock hours in Professional Practice, Methods and Curriculum.

Registration lottery ends tomorrow!

2012-01-09T05:00:00.000-06:00

If you have not yet entered the registration lottery for our January 21 workshop for child care teachers, you still have time. Entries will be accepted through Tuesday, January 10. Please visit http://bit.ly/LRWJanFlier for workshop details and the link to the entry form. Or call 210.207.2531 if you would like to receive the flier via fax and register by phone.

Getting ready to read by talking

2012-01-07T15:33:00.003-06:00

This past week at Play & Learn we focused on talking as a strategy for building pre-reading skills. Although we talk with our children every day, sometimes the value of simply making time for conversation can get lost in the busyness of daily activity. One of our participants commented, "It is important to speak to your child and wait for their personal response. You should also include your child in things that allow them to communicate and problem solve with their peers."

You can learn more about talking as an action that builds pre-reading skills by visiting our early literacy resource guide and by joining us at Play & Learn. Our strategy for the week of January 9 is singing!

News for Early Childhood Professionals

2011-12-21T10:29:00.002-06:00

Have you been wondering about our next workshop for child care teachers? Little Read Wagon is now using Constant Contact to send out training announcements. You can view the newsletter with information about January's workshop by clicking here. In the left column of the newsletter is an option to "Join Our Mailing List!" so that you can receive updates each month.

Entries for the workshop registration lottery will be accepted now through January 10, 2012. A printable flyer with registration instructions is available at http://bit.ly/LRWJanFlier .

A New Year of Play & Learn!

2011-12-15T10:48:00.000-06:00

In January we will start three new Play & Learn programs! Two of them will be offered on weekday mornings, as usual. The third program will be offered one evening per month, as suggested by some of our summertime Play & Learn participants. Go here to get the complete listing of all the Play & Learn programs we currently have scheduled.

If you have not attended a library Play & Learn session before, you might find the information on our Play & Learn page helpful. We look forward to seeing you in 2012!

New Play & Learn series!

2011-11-03T18:18:00.002-05:00

Little Read Wagon is teaming up with Guerra Library to offer a new series of Play & Learn programs beginning Monday, November 7. The programs will be offered every Monday, 10:00-11:30 a.m. through December 5. Please join us!

If you have never been to Play & Learn, you can learn more here, or call 207-2517.
Would you like to save yourself some time at sign-in? Please complete the questionnaire found here and bring it with you to Play & Learn.

Stimulating Story Times for Early Childhood Teachers

2011-08-29T14:29:00.000-05:00

Little Read Wagon will offer the "Stimulating Story Times" workshop for child care teachers on September 24, 2011 at the Central Library. You can find more details, including how to enter our registration lottery, by clicking here.

This will be Little Read Wagon's final teacher workshop for the fall. A new early literacy workshop topic will be offered beginning in January 2012. Please be sure to visit our blog again for more information!

Play & Learn Continues!

2011-08-11T18:27:00.000-05:00

Last Friday was our final Play & Learn program at the Molly Pruitt Library at Roosevelt. We were sad to leave the wonderful Pruitt Library staff, families and facilities behind for the summer. But, a few of our new friends were able to join us this morning at Central Library for more Play & Learn fun. Below are some photos from the fun times we had a Pruitt.

Play & Learn is a great time to test career options.

Perhaps civil engineering is in the future for this participant!

This game of bowling was as much about print awareness and matching colors as it was about knocking the bottles down with the ball.

Here was another experience in parallel play,

this time with bird seed, funnels and construction vehicles.

We can all benefit from some basic carpentry skills.
These carpenters' dedication to safety was admirable!

Did you notice? None of the children in these pictures were using books. But they were getting ready to learn how to read by building skills such as vocabulary, narrative skills and print awareness.

Play & Learn at Central Library

2011-08-09T11:59:00.000-05:00

Thursdays, 10:00 - 11:30

August 11 - September 29

Central Library Story Room

For children ages 5 or younger and their parents or caregivers.

Questions? Please call Little Read Wagon at 207-2517

los jueves, 10:00 -11:30

11 de agosto hasta 29 de septiembre

Biblioteca Central Sala de cuentos

Para niños 5 años de edad o menos y sus padres y familiares.

¿Preguntas? Por favor hable a Little Read Wagon al 210-207-2531

August 27 Workshop for Child Care Teachers

2011-08-04T08:58:00.002-05:00

Our next training for early childhood professionals will be held on Saturday, August 27th, at Central Library. Any child care teacher who is interested in attending should enter their name in our registration lottery no later than Tuesday, August 16th, for a chance to attend the training. Please see the flyer for details.

Until next time...

2011-08-03T16:17:00.001-05:00

Our Play & Learn series at the Forest Hills Library concluded yesterday. We enjoyed getting to know the families that participated, sharing early literacy ideas and, of course, having lots of fun playing! Here are a few photos as evidence!

These magnetic blocks continued to be a favorite throughout the series.

Here, we are constructing homes for finger puppet cats and mice.

Even with all the other play options available,

a simple cardboard box was one of the most popular activities on this day.

Batman was not the only hero in the room!

Playing with blocks was also building vocabulary, hand-eye coordination and interpersonal skills.

If you missed this series, or want more Play & Learn, please join us at Central Library on Thursdays, August 11 - September 29 from 10-11:30 a.m. We will be in the Story Room on the third floor.

July 23 Workshop for Early Childhood Professionals

2011-06-30T11:07:00.000-05:00

Entries are now being accepted for the July 23 "Stimulating Story Times" workshop. Early childhood teachers may enter the drawing by first reading the workshop flyer at http://tiny.cc/July23Announce and then completing the form linked from the announcement. Please submit your entry by July 12. We will begin notifying those whose names are drawn on July 13. Good luck!

Play & Learn: Molly Pruitt at Roosevelt Library

2011-06-23T12:29:00.001-05:00

Last Friday we had our first Play & Learn sesssion at the Pruitt Library, on the campus of Roosevelt High School. We were a bit apprehensive about how large the crowd might be, but thankfully had lots of support from the library manager as well as some very helpful parents. As usual, we had a few favorite activities and some new things to explore.

Alphabet fishing is a constant at all Play & Learn events!

How does your garden grow?

A new activity this summer is the portable herb garden. We see it as an opportunity for the development of a lush vocabulary and narrative skills. It also requires some cooperation as multiple parties navigate the garden together (or more often side-by-side). A few small dolls and nursery rhyme characters stand ready to fulfill whichever roles the children care to assign them.

We will be at Pruitt again tomorrow with vocabulary as the featured pre-reading skill.

Story Time + Play & Learn kick-off

2011-06-15T14:41:00.000-05:00

Yesterday we kicked off our Story Time + Play & Learn series at the Forest Hills Library. We have the privilege of offering Play & Learn activities immediately following the regularly scheduled Story Time presented by the fabulous Forest Hills Children's Librarian. If you were there yesterday, you know that we had a very large crowd! Little Read Wagon staff was busy non-stop, but with the help of the Forest Hills staff we managed to take a few photos.

The writing/collage table was very popular.

Squeezing the glue out of the bottle takes a great deal of strength! Getting the glue to land where you want it requires some concentration. Fortunately, both elements were in abundant supply.

Playing side-by-side with the home-made play dough.

Play dough is very easy to make, and the variations are endless. It appears that there is some intense thinking happening here!

More parallel play: Sidewalk chalk and painting with water.

Summer time often means that we experiment with more outdoor activities as space and temperature allow. If you plan to join us, please dress for the weather!

In Balance

2011-06-07T16:38:00.001-05:00

This past Saturday Little Read Wagon staff participated in one of KLRN's many community events. As part of the festivities, children had the opportunity to decorate their own balancing butterfly. This was one of our most enjoyable activities for a number of reasons:

Both children and adults were fascinated by the way the butterfly balanced on the tip of a finger. This fascination, the joy of discovery, the sense of "wow, I really didn't think it would work, but it does!" made the hours spent at the die cut machine and hot-gluing pennies to the undersides of the cut-outs worthwhile. But there's more!

While the cut-out was perched on a fingertip there was an opportunity to introduce vocabulary such as: balance, center of gravity, symmetry, weight, lighter, heavier... The name of our activity also just happened to have an alliterative quality, so we made sure to point out the sounds at the beginning of balancing and butterfly.
When there was finally room at the table (the crowd was so big we brought an extra table from our van to provide more space for decorating the butterflies), children had an opportunity to express themselves through the colors they chose, the patterns they designed, how fast or slow and meticulously they went about their embellishment. A simple collection of markers, crayons and a plain white butterfly cut-out generated an astounding variety of finished products.

The children also had a chance to indulge their scientific curiosity as they experimented with the balance scale. Some were satisfied with a quick demonstration while others expanded the range of possibilities by adding crayons, markers, and other objects to the scale.

Would you like to make your own balancing butterfly? Instructions for many variations can be found on the Internet. The key points are to use card stock or lightweight cardboard (like from a cereal box) to make a symmetrical shape with wings that extend forward of head of the butterfly (or bird, or other symmetrical creature), and attach weights such as coins or metal washers to the front tips of the wings. A toothpick taped to the underside of the cut-out helped us support the body of the butterfly.

Finally, the library has many books about butterflies, symmetry and equilibrium. Surely there are a few that you and your child would enjoy! You can find them by visiting mysapl.org.

Play: This could get messy!

2011-06-03T12:05:00.000-05:00

One of our favorite things to do at Play & Learn is to provide materials such as paint or shaving cream for children and their caregivers to explore. Some children recognize the material and dive right in, burying their hands up to the wrists or elbows, drawing, writing, or otherwise spreading the joy. For many children these are new experiences. At first they are tentative, watch the other children, perhaps wait for mom or grandpa to try it first. A few decide that they don't like the feel or the mess, but more often than not they choose to linger as long as time and space allow.

Ordinary paint can go a long way. But we also use home-made recipes like salt paint, puffy paint, or "goop." If you would like to try these at home, you might check library resources such as The Ultimate Book of Kids Concoctions, by John Thomas and Danita Page, or Pam Schiller's resource book series.

What about the mess? We provide smocks to (mostly) protect children's clothing, cover the floor when an outdoor space is not available, and generally expect that there will be some clean-up involved during and after the session. Meanwhile, the children and their grown-ups get to use their senses, build some vocabulary as they talk about what they are doing, practice their motor skills, and have a good time. We think it's worth it!

Summer Play & Learn Series

2011-06-01T15:23:00.009-05:00

Looking for something fun and free to do with your children this summer? Little Read Wagon will offer three Play & Learn series this summer. The first two series begin June 14 and 17 at the Forest Hills and Molly Pruitt libraries.

We love to read together!

2011-05-25T12:40:00.012-05:00

Spending time reading with children is one of the best investments caring adults can make. Not only is there the immediate pleasure of a good book and each other's company, but also the long-term benefit of reading readiness. At recent Play & Learn events Little Read Wagon staff took photos of our participants reading together.

Many families enjoyed using props as they re-read a familiar story.

By re-reading and re-telling stories with props, children have tools to help them recall details, put events in sequence and dramatize.

June 25 workshop

2011-05-16T10:32:00.003-05:00

The next "Stimulating Story Times" workshop for child care teachers will be on June 25. Entries for the registration lottery will be accepted now through June 9. Please read the flyer by clicking here. Then follow the instructions for entering the drawing. Good luck!

Play & Learn Drama!

2011-04-25T09:54:00.004-05:00

Getting ready to read can be very dramatic, and at Play & Learn we are happy to engage in some positive drama. Narrative skills, the ability to tell stories and talk about things, is our focus this week. Children and their parents or caregivers will have the opportunity to pretend, imagine, and of course read.

Repetition is also very important, so you can expect to see some of your favorite activities and stories just waiting for your child to say, "Again!"

text4baby

2011-04-25T09:34:00.002-05:00

Are you expecting, or is your baby less than one year old? You can receive timely information about caring for yourself and your child through a service called "text4baby". The service is provided through a public-private partnership (visit the website for a complete list of partners). Sign up online or from your cell phone by texting BABY to 511411 or BEBE al 511411 para español.

Do you hear what I hear?

2011-04-19T09:41:00.005-05:00

This week at Play & Learn we are all about sounds: making lots of noise and listening to what is going on around us. Phonological awareness is one of the pre-reading skills children develop from birth. We are preparing our children to eventually decode written words when we sing, bang on pots and pans, play with the sounds of language, and draw attention to all the noises in our environment. Does that sound like a lot of fun? We hope it is!

May 14 Workshop

2011-04-08T09:22:00.002-05:00

There's still time to enter the drawing for our May 14 workshop: Stimulating Story Times. Please read the flyer for more information and the link to the entry form. Entries will be accepted through Thursday, April 14.

Upcoming workshop for early childhood professionals

2011-03-21T15:20:00.007-05:00

Do you, or someone you know, need training hours? Our next workshop for child care teachers will be in May. In an effort to make registration as equitable as possible, we will register participants by lottery. You can enter yourself in the lottery by first reading the announcement for the workshop and then completing the entry form linked within the announcement.

If you are not familiar with our child care provider workshops, you might want to take a look at our Professional Development for Child Care Providers page. Of course, you are also welcome to give us a call any time at 210.207.2517.

Our Resources for Early Childhood Professionals guide includes links to other training opportunities, book lists and a few popular library catalog searches. We hope you'll check it out!

Spring into Early Literacy with Play & Learn

2011-03-03T10:01:00.008-06:00

Celebrate spring with us by engaging in some playful learning with your child. We will focus on a different pre-reading skill each week and have lots of fun!

Every Tuesday, 3:30-5:00 p.m.
March 22—May 10
Las Palmas Library, 515 Castroville Rd., 78237

OR

Every Thursday, 10:00-11:30 a.m.
March 24—May 12
Johnston Library, 6307 Sun Valley, 78227

Print Motivation and Favorite Books

2011-02-15T15:39:00.007-06:00

Young children show their interest in books in many ways such as mouthing, following pictures and words with their eyes, or studying how others interact with books. A sure sign of a child's print motivation is the identification of a favorite book. Last week at Play & Learn we asked our participants about books that they enjoy. Here are the results, in no particular order:

Dinosaurumpus, by Tony Mitton
Goodnight Moon, by Margaret Wise Brown
Fancy Nancy, by Jane O'Connor
Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can You? by Dr. Seuss
How to Catch an Elephant, by Amy Schwartz
Maisy, by Lucy Cousins
Thomas the Tank Engine
Frog and Toad are Friends, by Arnold Lobel
Tinkerbell
Dora the Explorer, by various authors
Little Goose, by David Mraz
The Cat in the Hat, by Dr. Seuss
Dinosaur Opposites, by Paul Strickland
Barbie: Fashion Fairytale, by Mary Man-Kong
Silly Sally, by Audrey Wood
Llama Llama Mad at Mama, by Anna Dewdney
The Little Red Hen, by Byron Barton

This list of favorites is as varied and vibrant as the children who hold these books so near and dear to their hearts. Most of the titles are, of course, available at the San Antonio Public Library.

Free Teacher Training at the Library: 12 March, 2011

2011-02-11T13:34:00.002-06:00

The San Antonio Public Library's early literacy outreach team, Little Read Wagon, provides FREE child care teacher trainings.

Our next training will be held Saturday, March 12. Registration will open at 6:00 p.m. on February 28. More details are outlined in the attached flyer. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call 210.207.2517.

For current teacher workshop details, please visit our Professional Development for Child Care Providers page.

February 26 Registration

2011-02-09T09:26:00.001-06:00

Registration for the February 26 workshop is now closed. Details about the March workshop for early childhood professionals will be announced soon!

February workshop for child care teachers

2011-02-02T08:55:00.002-06:00

New registration procedure! Registration for our February 26 workshop begins Monday, February 7 at 6:00 PM. No more rising with the sun to make your registration call! No more "voice inbox is full" messages! But, our space for this workshop will fill quickly, so please be sure to follow the instructions on the flyer.

The San Antonio Public Library's Little Read Wagon early literacy trainings (for those who work with children five and younger) are fun and FREE. Please read the flyer carefully for important details about the day of the workshop.

January 29 Workshop

2011-01-10T14:03:00.002-06:00

Registration for our January 29 workshop is now closed. If your registration has been confirmed, please read the flyer carefully for important details about the day of the workshop.

This workshop will be offered again on February 26. Please check back in early February for registration instructions.

New Workshop for Early Childhood Professionals: Stimulating Storytimes

2010-12-30T12:11:00.003-06:00

It's time to begin a new year and Little Read Wagon has designed a new workshop for residents of Bexar County who work directly with young children (birth-five years) and want to learn about how to help young children develop early literacy skills.

"Stimulating Storytimes" is our theme and we hope that you'll join us for great conversation, tips and strategies for making the most of the time you spend sharing books with children. Please read the flyer carefully for information about our first presentation of this workshop and how to register.

Play & Learn again in 2011!

2010-12-09T15:29:00.001-06:00

Our next Play and Learn series will be at the Pan American Library! Join us every Tuesday, 10:00-11:30 a.m., January 4 - February 22, 2011. We will meet for stories, songs and fun learning activities. This program is most appropriate for adults and their children (or grandchildren, nieces, nephews, neighbors and friends) ages 5 and younger.

2011 Workshops for Early Childhood Professionals

2010-10-28T09:24:00.005-05:00

Little Read Wagon staff is currently preparing the 2011 series of workshops for early childhood professionals. Our first workshop for the new year will be January 29, 2011. Look for more details and registration instructions on the Professional Development for Child Care Providers page.

Early Literacy Café: October 16, 2010

2010-09-29T09:32:00.003-05:00

Registration for our next workshop for early childhood professionals opens Tuesday, October 5 at 6:00 a.m. Please read the workshop flyer carefully for more important details about registration, time and location.

Next Play & Learn Series: Great Northwest Library

2010-09-27T08:50:00.002-05:00

Are you looking for a fun way to prepare your child for success in reading, school and life? Our next Play and Learn series will be at the Great Northwest Library and we are offering two sessions per week! Choose the one that is most convenient for you: Thursdays, 3:00-4:30 p.m. or Fridays, 10:00-11:30 a.m. beginning October 7th and 8th. We will meet for stories, songs and fun learning activities. A different pre-reading skill will be introduced each week. This program is most appropriate for adults and their children (or grandchildren, nieces, nephews, neighbors and friends) ages 5 and younger.

Library Website

2010-09-20T09:29:00.002-05:00

Clipped from: mysapl.org (share this clip)

Have you visited the San Antonio Public Library's website lately? Not only will you find access to the library catalog and databases, but there's also a searchable calendar of events, Live Homework Help, and numerous resource guides (surely there's one about a topic of interest to you)!

September 25 Workshop

2010-09-13T12:29:00.002-05:00

Registration for our September 25 Early Literacy Café is now closed. Please check back for information about our October workshop for early childhood professionals. If you are already registered for September 25, you can find the information flyer here.

Play & Learn at San Antonio Public Library

2010-08-24T11:36:00.000-05:00

Here is a video created from our Spring and Summer 2010 Play & Learn programs. Play

View video from Summer 2009 by clicking here.

Early Literacy Café

2010-08-23T08:58:00.003-05:00

On September 25 Little Read Wagon will host an Early Literacy Café for early childhood professionals. Please read the flyer carefully for registration details.

Play & Learn at Collins Garden

2010-08-09T13:08:00.005-05:00

Yes, school is about to start, but Little Read Wagon is playing on through the heat and into the fall. For the next seven weeks we will be at the Collins Garden Branch Library on Wednesdays from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. As usual we will have a short storytime and lots of learning activities for adults and children to do together.

Don't forget to check the library calendar for more early literacy programs at all our locations!

July Workshop for Early Childhood Professionals

2010-06-23T13:45:00.002-05:00

Residents of Bexar County who work directly with young children (birth-five years) and want to learn about how to help young children develop early literacy skills are invited to register for the "Six Skills Summer Refresher." Registration for the July workshop begins at 6:00 a.m. on July 7.

Please read the workshop flyer carefully for more important details about registration, the training time and location.

Dino-mite Fun with Buddy!

2010-06-03T15:08:00.003-05:00

Have some learning fun this Saturday!
Where: Rosedale Park, 4601 West Martin St., 78237
When: June 5, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Who: You, your child and Buddy from Dinosaur Train

Little Read Wagon staff will be there with library card applications and a fun activity. See you Saturday!

Six Skills Summer Refresher

2010-05-27T13:07:00.005-05:00

Residents of Bexar County who work directly with young children (birth-five years) and want to learn about how to help young children develop early literacy skills are invited to register for the "Six Skills Summer Refresher." Registration for the June workshop is now closed. Please check back for information about July's workshop.

Please read the workshop flyer carefully for more important details such as the training date, time and location.

Make way for summer!

2010-05-18T14:00:00.005-05:00

As the school year draws to a close, Little Read Wagon is preparing to shift gears. We will finish the Play & Learn series at Westfall Library on May 27. On June 11 we will begin another Play & Learn series at the Guerra Library. Please join us on Fridays through the end of July, 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. In August and September we will move to the Collins Garden Library on Wednesdays 10:00-11:30 a.m.

Don't forget to register for Summer Reading! Catch the Reading Express beginning on June 1 at mysapl.org

Register May 3 for our next teacher workshop

2010-04-17T12:08:00.001-05:00

Registration for our Saturday, May 22 teacher workshop is now closed. Please check back soon for information about our summer workshops!

April-May, Play and Learn at Westfall Library!

2010-02-26T13:06:00.008-06:00

Our next Play and Learn series will be at the Westfall Library throughout April and May. We will meet for stories, songs and fun learning activities. This program is most appropriate for adults and their children (or grandchildren, nieces, nephews, neighbors and friends) ages 5 and younger.

There are two opportunities to play and learn at Westfall Library - please choose one each week: Wednesdays, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. OR Thursdays, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Playing and Learning

2010-01-27T13:36:00.005-06:00

We are half-way through our eight-week series of play and learn programs at the Cortez and McCreless libraries. If you have young children with you during the day, perhaps you would like to join us at McCreless on Thursday mornings, 10:00 - 11:30. We share a story and have lots of fun learning and playing together.

Our Tuesday evening programs at the Cortez library have been so well-attended that we are going to offer two sessions for the remaining four weeks. You and your young children may come to our Para los niños programs at either 4:45 p.m. or 6:00 p.m. Both sessions are one hour and include a storytime plus fun activities.

Do you want still more play and learn opprotunities? Check out the Play and Learn Calendar. Also visit the KLRN website for more information about Early ON!

Growing Readers: A video from Kansas City Public Library

2009-12-03T09:22:00.004-06:00

As stated in this video, "Take the time to share a book every day and you'll see the rewards for years to come."

Growing Readers from KCK Public Library on Vimeo.

What is the key?

2009-10-22T09:33:00.004-05:00

Learning is optimized when it involves play - playing with books and words! This poem by an unknown author can be found in many places. I have seen it on the wall at the East Central Development Center for years! How wonderful that it is still so timely and relevant to our work with children, parents and caregivers.

I tried to teach my child with books;
He gave me only puzzled looks.
I tried to teach my child with words;
They passed him by, often unheard.
In despair I turned aside,
"How will I teach my child?" I cried.
Into my hand he put the key.
"Come," he said, "and play with me!"
-Author unknown

i care for children, i am an FFN

2009-10-20T11:03:00.008-05:00

For a few years now several agencies in San Antonio have been striving to reach informal caregivers, also known as Family, Friends and Neighbors. Are you an FFN? Click here to find out. Whether the answer is yes or no, we also hope to see you at our play and learn events.

It's Time to Play and Learn!

2009-10-14T15:59:00.011-05:00

On October 20 we begin our next eight-week series of Play and Learn events. Join us 3:30 - 5:00 P.M. on Tuesdays at the Carver Library or on Thursdays at the Forest Hills Library. As always, these events are for children ages 5 and younger AND their adult caregivers (parents and FFN's). We hope you'll join us for lots of fun, learning, a snack and free books.

Call 207-2517 for more information.

Last Chance: Phonological Awareness

2009-10-14T15:15:00.004-05:00

Little Read Wagon will host it's last phonological awareness workshop on Saturday, November 14 at the Central Library. Registration is now closed. Please check back in December for information about our January workshop topic and registration.
If you are registered for November 14, please read/print/share this flyer for more important details.

October workshop is full!

2009-09-29T14:05:00.012-05:00

Don't despair! There's one more opportunity to attend Little Read Wagon's phonological awareness workshop. Check back in a couple weeks for the announcement about the November teacher training. We are currently planning our 2010 early literacy workshops. We will post announcements about those in December.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/fortinbras/ / CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Next Teacher Workshop Opportunity

2009-09-21T09:11:00.004-05:00

We will be at the McCreless Branch Library for our next workshop for early childhood professionals. Registration opens on Monday, September 28. Please call 207-2517 and leave a message with:
-your name
-workplace
-age of children in your care
-number of children in your care
-phone number so we can confirm your registration

View and print the workshop flyer for important details.

View San Antonio Public Library Locations in a larger map

September teacher workshop is full!

2009-09-16T12:04:00.002-05:00

Don't despair! If you did not call in time to get into our September teacher workshop, you have two more chances in 2009. Our next teacher workshop will be October 10 at the McCreless library.

Please call on Monday, September 28 to register for this workshop. More details will be posted soon.

Video: Play and Learn with Little Read Wagon

2009-09-05T06:34:00.004-05:00

Our play and learn programs are an opportunity for parents and informal caregivers (also known as family, friends or neighbors) to enjoy fun activities, discover new things about their children, and meet some wonderful people. The 2010 schedule is growing and we can't wait to get started!

New Edition of Literacy Lava

2009-09-03T08:38:00.003-05:00

There are an amazing variety and quantity of resources available to parents and teachers. Literacy Lava, a new e-zine (electronic magazine), is yet another way to access great ideas and thoughtful articles. Don't forget to take a look at the authors' blogs for more frequent updates.

New Edition of Literacy Lava

Shared via AddThis

New Guides at mysapl.org

2009-09-02T15:47:00.004-05:00

There's a new way to access information about Little Read Wagon, our programs and library resources. Visit the library webpage and our new set of guides! These, as well as all the other guides you will find there, will continue to grow with new topics and resources. So, please explore and enjoy!

Early Literacy Workshop

2009-08-24T13:23:00.003-05:00

It's back to school time and Little Read Wagon is continuing to offer workshops for early childhood professionals (those who work with children ages 5 and younger). Our next teacher training will be Saturday, September 26 at the Central Library. Please carefully read the flyer for more details and registration information. We hope to see you there!

For current teacher workshop details, please visit our Professional Development for Child Care Providers page.

E.L.S.I.E.

2009-08-05T16:51:00.005-05:00

Many of us plan our storytimes around themes, but there also are a growing number of us planning around skills. The Hennepin County Public Library has a fantastic resource for identifying books related to specific pre-reading skills. Babette Reeves blogged about it earlier today, and it is definitely worth checking out!

August-September Play and Learn Opportunities

2009-08-03T08:50:00.004-05:00

Many of us are getting ready to go back to school, but summer is not over! Little Read Wagon will host a play and learn series at the Miller's Pond Community Center for children 5 years of age and younger and their caregivers. The series is every Tuesday, 3:30 - 4:30 beginning August 11 and continues until September 29.

What is play and learn? This is an opportunity for you and your child(ren) to enjoy activities that also help both of you learn. Each week has a special topic such as reading, math, nutrition, self-esteem, etc. You and your child(ren) will learn something about the topic of the week while having lots of fun. We will have a short group time and the rest of the session is for interaction between you and your child(ren).

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Click here for a flyer.

Teachers, you are invited to Explore Early Literacy!

2009-07-29T16:01:00.006-05:00

Do you work in a child care facility?

Do you have a listed, registered or licensed child care home?

Have you made a career of working with children 5 years of age or younger?

If you answered "Yes" to any of these questions, and you have not been to a Little Read Wagon workshop in 2009, then we would love to see you at our August workshop! Please carefully review this flier for workshop details.

Our next early literacy training for child care providers is Saturday, 15 August, 9:15 am – 3:15 p.m. at the Central Library. Registration opens on Monday, August 3.

Please call 207-2517 and leave a message with your name, workplace, the ages and number of children in your care, and a phone number. Each participant must register individually. We will return your call to confirm your registration.

Early Literacy Workshop for Teachers

2009-07-02T16:38:00.001-05:00

The San Antonio Public Library's Little Read Wagon early literacy trainings (for those who work with children five and younger) are fun and FREE! Please print and share the attached flyer with all early childhood caregivers/teachers. This flyer gives the details for our next child care provider training, which will be held on Saturday, July 25th.

We look forward to hearing from you. Please don't hesitate to call if you have questions.

Play and Learn at The Neighborhood Place

2009-06-29T14:46:00.010-05:00

In July and August Little Read Wagon will hold Para los niños play and learn sessions at The Neighborhood Place.

What is it all about? Fun, learning activities for parents/caregivers and their young children. New activities each week!

Who can come? Children (birth - 5 years old) and the parents, extended family, friendds, or neighbors who take care of them. Older brothers and sisters are also welcome.

Please join us in room 25 of The Neighborhood Place on Wednesdays, July 8 - August 26 at 10:30 a.m.

Flyer

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Summer reading

2009-06-09T11:54:00.003-05:00

Registration for the 2009 Summer Reading program is under way. Go to www.mysapl.org for more information about the children's and teen summer reading programs. You might also find that your local branch library has an adult summer reading program! Why should the kids have all the fun?

June Teacher Workshop

2009-06-01T10:29:00.012-05:00

Early childhood professionals, please come sing, create, learn and have fun with us!

Registration for the June 20 teacher workshop opens on Monday, June 8, 2009. Please carefully review the workshop flyer before registering. Individuals may call 210-207-2517 on Monday, June 8 and leave a message with your name, work location, age of the children you work with, number of children, and a phone number we can use to confirm your registration.

Summertime: Time to play and learn

2009-05-27T12:07:00.004-05:00

This summer opportunities to play and learn will be everywhere! Little Read Wagon will host another Para los niños series at the Guerra Branch Library. Beginning June 12, children and their caregivers are invited to join us at 10:30 for a story and fun activities. The series will be every Friday until July 31, except July 3.

Flyer
Map

Are you an FFN?

2009-04-28T10:16:00.008-05:00

Are you an aunt, uncle, grandparent, older sibling, cousin, friend, or neighbor of a young child? Do you take care of a friend, neighbor, or other family member's child(ren)? Then you are a "Family, Friend, and Neighbor" caregiver! FFN's, also known as informal caregivers, are a valuable source of child care and early learning for our children.

The BUILD initiative has a list of resources and research related to FFN care: http://www.buildinitiative.org/content/family-friend-and-neighbor-care

Several organizations in San Antonio are striving to provide support to FFN caregivers through Play & Learn and other workshops. For more information, take a look at the Play & Learn calendar and the fliers attached to it.

Día de los niños / Día de los libros

2009-04-27T09:50:00.003-05:00

This week the San Antonio Public Library is celebrating Día de los niños / Día de los libros at several locations. Little Read Wagon staff will participate in the events at the Cortez, Westfall and Central libraries. We hope to see you there!

Go to http://www.mysapl.org/kids.aspx for a complete schedule.

Play & Learn All Over San Antonio!

2009-04-07T11:54:00.009-05:00

If you just can't get enough "Play & Learn" or would like to sample other agencies' services and locations, take a look at this link to the Play and Learn section of the Early ON website.

Next Play and Learn Series at Forest Hills Library

2009-04-06T16:17:00.003-05:00

On April 16 we will begin our next play and learn series at the Forest Hills branch library. Please join us 6:00 - 7:00 pm. for a short storytime and learning activities for you and your children ages 0-5 years.

Weekly themes include: Math at Home, Family Communication, How Your Child Learns, Taking Time/Taking Turns, Healthy Minds/Healthy Bodies, Self Esteem and Loving Limits. Participate in one, some, or all seven sessions.

Printable flyer
Map of the Forest Hills branch library

May caregiver workshops

2009-04-06T15:59:00.008-05:00

May brings two workshop opportunities! Please choose either Saturday, May 16 OR Saturday, May 30 and call 207-2517 to register on Monday, May 4. CALL EARLY, as space is limited. Registration is limited to five individuals per work location/center.

***New Guideline***: Each participant must personally call to register. No exceptions. Please leave a message with your full name, work location, age of children in your class, and a phone number. We will return your call to confirm registration.

Remember, if you register but do not attend the workshop AND do not inform Little Read Wagon of your change in plans, you will have to wait 12 months before registering again!

Do you feel like singing?

2009-04-03T11:19:00.005-05:00

On Saturday, March 28, we had a fantastic teacher workshop. A fun part of the day was when the teachers shared songs they like to use in their classrooms. Here is a sample of the phonological awareness-building tunes. Check the link list on the right periodically for more songs after each teacher workshop.

Play and Learn Opportunities

2009-03-24T12:32:00.004-05:00

Are you an aunt, uncle, grand parent, parent, family friend or neighbor? Do you take care of one or more children that is five years old or younger? If you answered "yes" to these questions, we would like to invite you and your child(ren) to participate in a Para los niños play and learn series.

Each Para los niños event is free, has lots of fun and different activities related to a new theme, and includes a storytime. Adults who participate receive one free board book at every event. We believe that it is best for children to have as many caring and well-informed adults in their lives as possible.

Our next series of Para los niños events begins on March 31, 6 - 7 pm. and will be at the Pan American branch library. Click here for:
a map to the Pan American branch library
a printable flyer (in English and Spanish)
a printable poster (in English and Spanish)

If you are already busy on Tuesdays, we will have the same series on Thursdays at the Forest Hills branch library beginning April 16, 6 - 7 pm. Flyers and a map will be posted soon!

Visit http://www.cmhouston.org/losninos/ for more information about the history of the Para los niños program.

Fingerplay podcasts

2009-03-20T10:11:00.004-05:00

Fingerplays can be so much fun, and they help develop motor, social, language, pre-reading and cognitive skills. Often it helps to hear someone else do a fingerplay or rhyme. Sometimes (OK, often) we need to hear it more than once. For those reasons you might check out Babette Reeves' podcasts. Babette sings or says the rhyme, then goes back and explains the accompanying motions.

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March 28 Teacher Workshop is Closed

2009-03-17T09:35:00.002-05:00

Registration for the March 28 workshop is full. Please check back for information about our next teacher training.

Register for the March workshop on Monday, March 16!

2009-03-12T11:46:00.003-05:00

Monday, March 16 is the day to call and register for the next teacher workshop. Call early and leave a detailed message: name, work place, age of children you work with, and phone number.

If you are registering more than one person you must provide names and classroom information for each individual. We will return your call later in the day to confirm whether or not you have a space at the workshop.

Please call 207-2517 and leave a message. To ensure that everyone is registered in the order of their call, we will not be answering the phones the morning of March 16.

Thank you!

Library PSA

2009-03-12T11:44:00.002-05:00

Have you been to your local library lately? If not, here's a reminder of what you can find there.

Share a Story - Shape a Future

2009-02-26T14:08:00.003-06:00

An amazing thing is about to happen. Spring break, for most of us in San Antonio, will also bring us a "blog tour" for literacy. Take a look (click on the bear button) at what the folks in the KidLitosphere have planned!

March Teacher Workshop

2009-02-23T12:11:00.005-06:00

Registration for the March teacher's workshop is Monday, March 16. A printable flyer is available here.

Please call and leave a message with your full name, work location, age of children in your class, and a phone number. We will return your call to confirm registration.

Remember, if you register but do not attend the workshop AND do not inform Little Read Wagon of your change in plans, you will have to wait 12 months before registering again!

New Books and Pre-reading Skills

2009-02-11T14:52:00.003-06:00

There are six pre-reading skills every child needs. How do we help children develop these skills? One way is by sharing books with them, of course! Here is a new skill-specific book list to provide some inspiration.

The terminology used in Every Child Ready to Read is directed towards adults and includes lots of BIG words like "phonological." A recent article in the Calgary Herald listed the pre-reading skills in the more personal, child-focused terms of the Calgary Public Library's Growing Readers For Life program: I Like Books, I See Words, I Hear Words, I Know Letters, I Know Words and I Can Tell A Story.

February Teacher Workshop

2009-02-09T11:52:00.004-06:00

Registration for our February teacher workshop is full. Please check back for information about our March early literacy training for caregivers.

Quotes from Evaluations

2009-01-27T10:57:00.002-06:00

Participants in last Saturday's workshop were asked to write down one thing that they had learned. Here are some of the things they had to say:

"Today I learned the importance of reading and what I can do to get my children ready to read...I also learned about the importance of singing songs/rhyming and storytelling."

"I learned how to search on the library computer because I'm not familiar with it. Also, I learned new songs that I will be using with the children...Also the importance of referrals with ECI. Thank you."

"Today I learned how much information the library has to offer, because I did not know that this was here for the taking. Thank you."

"Today I learned that talking, singing, fingerplaying help a lot for reading skills. Now I can spend more time helping my two children... he can look at the pictures and ... my baby can look at the bright colors and feel the different textures."

"Good information on Early Childhood Intervention. Helpful info. on on-line resources."

"Exploring the library website is extensive. There is a lot of info. I had no idea!"

"I learned that there is a wealth of information on line for library needs, and you can find and reserve books, videos, etc. using the computer (if you have a library card!)."

First Teacher Workshop of 2009 is Done!

2009-01-26T10:50:00.001-06:00

The Little Read Wagon has completed it's first teacher workshop of the new year! This year Little Read Wagon is focusing on phonological awareness, or the ability to hear and play with the smaller sounds in words. The January 24 workshop was held at the beautiful Igo Branch Library. In addition to the early childhood professionals, special guests were Adam Spana (SAPL Digital Services), Rose Obregon (Brighton School), Molly McCormick (Easter Seals) and Ramona Lucius (SAPL Office of Outreach).

Participants enjoyed presentations and created a variety of items to use in the classroom. Jingle bracelets, sand blocks, rhythm sticks, song books, and felt puppies were created, embellished and taken away. Each participant also received a certificate for 5 clock hours and a bag of children's books.

Registration for the next workshop opens on Monday, February 9, 2009. Remember to call early and leave a detailed message including your name, center/school name and a phone number. Your call will be returned to confirm your registration.

February Teacher Workshop

2009-01-16T14:46:00.005-06:00

This year in our free early literacy workshops (for those who work with children five and younger), we will explore phonological awareness, Early Childhood Intervention and library resources.

Registration for the February teacher's workshop opens on Monday, February 9. A printable flyer is available here.

Every Child Ready to Read

2009-01-14T17:10:00.007-06:00

The San Antonio Public Library's Little Read Wagon has an exciting early literacy program series designed to help get “Every Child Ready To Read®.” Current research shows that children who learn six critical pre-reading skills before they start kindergarten become better readers. Children who do not know these skills when they come to school have a much more difficult time learning to read. Little Read Wagon offers these programs at schools and other organizations that serve parents or informal caregivers. Teachers are encouraged to attend one of our Saturday workshops designed especially for them.

The “Every Child Ready To Read” program, developed by the Public Library Association and the Association for Library Service to Children, explains why the six pre-reading skills are so important, demonstrates how to help children learn the skills, provides titles of high-interest books that are age appropriate, and sends parents/caregivers home with early literacy activities to incorporate into daily routines. Contact Little Read Wagon to schedule a program.

The next time you are at the library, be sure to pick up one of the “Every Child Ready To Read®” parent guides and ask a librarian to help you find just the right books to help your child get ready to read.

Play and Learn some more!

2009-01-07T15:21:00.004-06:00

Play and Learn events are available through several organizations in a variety of locations. These sessions are intended for the child and caregiver to participate in together. Contact information for Play and Learn providers is available here or en español.

Para los niños Play and Learn events begin again in January 2009!

2009-01-07T15:00:00.008-06:00

Are you a stay at home parent, aunt, uncle, grandma, grandpa, foster parent, relative, friend or neighbor caring for a child younger than 5 years old in your home? Join us for these free and fun events!

Tuesdays, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the Cortez Branch Library: flyer map
Thursdays, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the McCreless Branch Library: flyer map
Second Mondays, through August, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. at the Memorial Branch Library: flyer map

Para los niños is a series of learning events created by the Children's Museum of Houston and the Houston Public Library. At each event there is a short storytime, discussion of a child-related theme, and several hands-on activities for the adults and children to do together. The themes are: Raise a Reader, Math at Home, Family Communication, How Your Child Learns, Taking Time / Taking Turns, Healthy Minds / Healthy Bodies, Self Esteem and Loving Limits.

Visit http://www.cmhouston.org/losninos/ for more information about the history of the Para los niños program.

January teacher workshop

2009-01-06T16:10:00.002-06:00

This workshop is full. Please check back for information about February's workshop.

Free Early Literacy Training in January

2008-12-16T19:16:00.006-06:00

The San Antonio Public Library's Little Read Wagon early literacy trainings (for those who work with children five and younger) are fun and FREE! Our next workshop will be on Saturday, January 24, 2009. Registration opens January 5. Click here to view a printable flyer.

Upcoming training opportunities for caregivers

2008-11-13T12:39:00.001-06:00

Our next series of teacher workshops begins in January.