Parents and Children Using the Library

This topic was introduced with an invitation to borrow from an in-class library of children's books and with discussion of adult recollections of childhood stories read or told. Visiting resource staff from the local library helped parents gain more confidence about visiting the library. Parents had the opportunity to receive library cards in the ABE class and they made plans with each other to make a library visit.

Goals

• introduce adult learners to the local library
• familiarize students with computers and material available for loan
• encourage parents to take books out for the rest of the family
• encourage parents to participate in library programs - storytimes, crafts, workshops
• encourage parents to borrow books from the class library and read them at home
• become more involved in shared reading at home

Implementation

• Watch a "Read to Me" video about parent-child shared reading, followed by discussion.
• Read and discuss "Eleven Ways to Help Your Children Become Better Readers".
• Local librarian visits the class to discuss how to join the library and participate in programs. S/he brings a variety of books, children's books, videos, taped books, and shows a video of reading in the family.
• Arrange a class trip to local library, to join, explore, and take out books for home reading.
• A children's librarian visits, with parents invited to bring their young children for a special storytime session.
• Provide a lending library in class every Thursday.