ELF Blog
San Francisco Public Library Featured on Childhood Matters Radio Broadcast
Tune-in to the radio program Childhood Matters on Sunday, March 2nd, to hear the featured topic Reading with Your Child. Broadcast on 98.1 KISS-FM and K-Ocean 105.1FM from 9-10am, Christy Estrovitz, Early Literacy Specialist with the San Francisco Public Library and ELF colleague, will join Lygia Stebbing from Jumpstart and Nurse Rona to share ideas on unlocking the power of books. www.childhoodmatters.org
For your Spanish speaking families, the program Nuestros Ninos, will feature music and how it promotes intelligence in children broadcast from 8-9am on Sunday. It is available on KLOK 1170AM, Tricolor 99.5FM, La Kalle 100.7/105.7FM, La Nuestra KBBF 89.1FM, Super Estrella KSES 107.1FM and Jose KMBX 700AM. www.nuestrosninos.com
Old Fashion Play Builds Serious Skills
Listen to this informative 8 minute broadcast from NPR's Morning Edition that features interviews with researchers who have been studying play and it role in developing cognitive abilities, emotional regulation, the ability to pay attention, self control and discipline. Each of these contributes to success in school and life, however Elena Bodrova a researcher at the National Institute for Early Education Research found in a 2001 replication of a 1940's study, that today's children demonstrate lower levels of these abilities. 5 year olds exhibit self-regulation at the level of 3 year olds and 7 year olds are barely approaching the level of 5 year olds. It's through make believe and self-directed and imaginary play that many of these these skills are developed. In addition to the broadcast and a transcript, there are suggestions for children's play activities provided. www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=19212514&sc=nl&cc=es-20080224&sc=emaf&sc=emaf
Reading Tips from Children
Here's an article from Reading Rockets that provides ideas for parents to use that will encouarge and motivate their child's love of books and reading. The suggestions offered foster joy and excitement about the world of books and come from comments made by children. http://www.readingrockets.org/article/191
Clip Art
Some ELF libraries inquired about sources of clip art to use in creating flyers. Does anyone have suggestions?
National League of Cities, Early Care & Education Network
The NLC Early Care & Education Network provides a rich array of resources to cities and communities that are involved in early leaning initiatives. There are monthly updates on early education developments from cities in the network that are archived at www.nlc.org/iyef/program_areas/early_childhood_development/4428.aspx . In addition bimonthly audioconferences are available that focus on city efforts in working with children and their families. New research and resources are also featured. Sign-up to receive the updates.
Time for Play Everyday, It's Essential
Play is fundamental for the development of all children. In this informative flyer for parents and caregivers, the Alliance for Childhood presents the case for promoting play as well as some suggestions to make it effective. Other resources that address the topic are included. www.allianceforchildhood.org/projects/play/pdf_files/play_fact_sheet.pdf
Play in Early Years; Key to School Success is a monograph on the aspects related to school success that develop when children participate in play and play-centered curriculum. For example, children develop logic, social skills, language and self regulation to name a few areas of impact. Download the full report at www.allianceforchildhood.org/pdf_files/BAECF_Play_in_the_Early_Years_May07.pdf
