ELANCO Library to hold prekindergarten program

When staff members at the ELANCO Library heard from area teachers that children entering kindergarten were not quite as prepared as the educators had hoped they would be, they sprang into action by organizing a summer series to help address this issue. "We are going to practice skills (the educators) have identified," said Jen Watson, assistant director and youth services coordinator with the library. "(Educators have said), 'The first day of kindergarten it would be wonderful if they knew how to do these things,'" she explained.

The program - called "Ready for Kindergarten!" - is designated for children who will begin kindergarten in the ELANCO School District this fall. Hourlong programs will begin at 3 p.m. at the library, 11 Chestnut Drive, New Holland, on Tuesdays, July 11, 18, and 25.

Watson noted that one of the first skills the group will work on is name recognition, including students being able to write their own names. They will also practice cutting and gluing skills, being able to count to 10, and knowing the letters of the alphabet. "It's not rigorous, but it's practicing those basic skills to give them an edge when that day comes," said Watson.

Anna D'Agostino, director of the ELANCO Library, noted that being able to stay tuned in during the 60-minute program is a goal for the students as well. "Keeping that focus for an extended period of time is one of the readiness skills (they need to develop)," she pointed out.

Watson noted she intends to tackle attention-span issues with activities that engage children. "We will play lots of games that are direction based, so we will be practicing following directions but in the style of playing a game," she said. "We will do different activities that are really hands on to keep them moving," she added. "We are trying to tailor it to what they need to work on and throwing in some fun."

Watson pointed out that the timing of the program during the summer was important to prepare the children shortly before school, but to encourage development of the skills at home, she will pass out optional "homework" families may choose to work on independently. "I will be providing activities for them to take home so they can practice in between (sessions)," she said.

Registration prior to the program is required for two reasons. Watson wants to make sure she has plenty of supplies, but she also wants to customize activities to each child's name. Registration will open on Monday, July 3. Children may be registered in person at the library or at http://www.elancolibrary.org by clicking on the "Calendar" tab and going to the "Ready for Kindergarten!" event on July 11.

D'Agostino emphasized that the program was designed specifically to respond to local requests. "We try to tailor our programs to community needs and interests," she said, adding that anyone with an idea for a program is welcome to contact the library. "We will see what we can do (to help)," she noted.