ThisWeek CW 12/24/2015
http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/canalwinchester/news/2015/12/21/space-designed-to-prepare-children-for-kindergarten.html
Groveport Madison and Canal Winchester families now have another resource to help prepare children for kindergarten and future educational success.
The Columbus Metropolitan Library has opened its new Ready for Kindergarten area, the fifth of its kind in the library system, at the Southeast Branch, 3980 S. Hamilton Road.
The Southeast Branch joins the Driving Park, Karl Road, Linden and Whitehall branches in providing areas that include interactive whiteboards with literacy learning applications, magnetic word walls, toys meant to assist with motor and cognitive development and more.
According to Kathy Shahbodaghi, the library’s early childhood learning expert, customer response to these areas has been tremendous and the impact on children has been proven by study after study.
Those who participate in the kinds of skills training available at the centers “are much more likely to read on grade level or higher in the third grade,” she said.
In particular, Shahbodaghi said, these students are more skilled in particular letter knowledge, producing rhyming words and initial letter sounds.
In Ohio, this is an important measurement given the state’s Third-Grade Reading Guarantee testing, which may be used to hold underperforming students back.
“Families love the idea of these areas and the children love coming in and ‘playing school,’ especially with the smartboard,” Shahbodaghi said. “Their excitement about this turns into excitement about starting school and getting to ride the school bus and things like that.
“Parents can also learn how to weave the skill-building, such as knowing the upper- and lower-case letters, into everyday life, such as looking at traffic signs or reading labels while grocery shopping.”
The Ready for Kindergarten areas are not being specifically staffed but trained staff members are available at each branch to assist families in using the various tools.
“Kindergarten readiness is such a critical need throughout our community,” library CEO Patrick Losinski. “While this is a fun and attractive space, it’s not a play area. Everything is intentional and instructive.”
Library officials hope that using this innovative area will familiarize children with a kindergarten environment before they enter school.
“This is not just about having children gain skills, but it is a learning opportunity for the parents on how to support them,” Shahbodaghi said. “This is hands-on modeling of important early literacy skills. Literacy is, of course, the library’s bailiwick.”
The Ready for Kindergarten Area at the Southeast Branch was supported by a gift from PNC Bank.