Webcast sponsored by the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre and hosted by the School of Library, Archival, and Information Studies (SLAIS) Master of Children’s Literature (MACL) colloquium series. Although library service to children was once mainly focused on books, today play is also a strong component. Children learn best through play. Library programs that incorporate purposeful play experiences can give children (and their parents) opportunities for practicing self-regulation, experiencing positive reinforcement, and developing pre-reading skills. Playful early literacy programs (such as Mother Goose on the Loose) in public libraries help children build school readiness skills; they also teach parents about easy activities to replicate at home that help with their child’s development. Hear about some fun activities with seriously helpful benefits that can be used with even the youngest library visitors!
Biography
Dr. Betsy Diamant-Cohen is the creator of the early literacy program Mother Goose on the Loose. She was named by Library Journal as a Mover and Shaker in 2004. In 2013, she received the Leadership and Professional Achievement Award from the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies, a division of the American Library Association. The ASCLA award recognized her as “a prolific author, inspiring mentor and presenter, knowledgeable consultant and teacher and creator and developer of the Mother Goose on the Loose program. This program has revolutionized the way story times are presented to young children at libraries across the country and has empowered librarians to work confidently with this young population of readers.” Dr. Diamant-Cohen has had years of experience working in libraries and children’s museums. She runs traininPrendergast, T., & Diamant-Cohen, B. (2014). Investing in early childhood. Children & Libraries, 12(4), 35.g workshops and presents courses through colleges and library associations.
Select Articles and Books Available at UBC Library
Diamant-Cohen, B., Ghoting, S. N., & American Library Association. (2010). The early literacy kit: A handbook and tip cards. Chicago: American Library Association.
Diamant-Cohen, B., Ebrary Academic Complete (Canada) Subscription Collection, & American Library Association. (2010). Children’s services: Partnerships for success. Chicago: American Library Association. [Link]
Prendergast, T., & Diamant-Cohen, B. (2014). Investing in early childhood. Children & Libraries, 12(4), 35. [Link]
Prendergast, T., & Diamant-Cohen, B. (2014). Music in childhood: Clickable links for children’s library practitioners. Children & Libraries, 12(2), 38. [Link]
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