With back-to-school events right around the corner, it’s officially time to start getting ready for the fall schedule. But what is true school readiness? That’s what we’ve been talking about the last couple of weeks on the blog.
It takes a team to get each child ready for school. And YOU — as parents, coaches, librarians, health care providers, early childhood teachers — are a critical part of that team.
The mission of First Steps is to create a community where children are ready for school. So we want to profile our fantastic school-readiness team right here in Pickens County. Each week leading up to school, we’re shining a spotlight on some of our superheroes who are helping kids become ready learners. Our hope is that you’ll become connected with those in our community, learn more about what they do, and pass their services along to those in your circle of influence.
What a simple and everyday way to make a difference in the lives of children and family right where we live!
This week’s superheroes: Early Childhood Teachers
One of our goals here at First Steps is increasing literacy for thousands of at-risk four-year-olds.
4K programs exist in Pickens County to assure readiness for all of the district’s four-year-old children. As children experience guided social interaction and language skill development with qualified teachers, they become ready for kindergarten. Literacy is the most significant component of that readiness.
Children and families at risk for school and life failure are typically language and literacy deficient. That’s where Book Flood comes in.
What is Book Flood and how does it help?
Book Flood is a literacy model designed to enhance book exposure, increase shared reading time at home, and foster literacy awareness skills in a home/school collaboration. Best of all, Book Flood creates a love of reading early on in a child’s life.
By partnering with the 4K classes in both the School District of Pickens County and private childcare providers, Book Flood provides a home-to-school book sharing program that exposes families to various genres of literature while engaging them in one-on-one reading time with their child.
Research shows that reading is a key ingredient in the success of a child. It’s the foundation for a child’s ability to become a life-long learner and that’s why Book Flood is such a vital program.
Book Flood works by distributing age-appropriate books by rotation among 4K teachers/providers in the county. Students take home a different book each school night to read with a family member.
Pickens County served 600 children in our county last year!
If you’d like more information on 4K programs in Pickens County, call the elementary school in the zone where you live. Click the school locator link to find your school.
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What questions do YOU have about 4K, Book Flood, or early childhood education?
Connect with us in the comments section or through our communities on Facebook and Twitter. Pickens County First Steps is also on Pinterest. Find great ideas for nurturing the young children in your life!
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You Might Also Enjoy
School Readiness Superheroes: How the Library Gets Your Kids Ready for School
School Readiness Superheroes: Doctors, Nurses, and Early Intervention
Giraffes Can’t Dance, Our 2015 Book of the Year & Day of Reading Selection
Why Reading to Your Young Child Matters More Than You Think {plus a few helpful tips}
A FREE and Simple Resource for Building Literacy in Your Young Child
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Special thanks to Greenville County First Steps and their School Readiness Guide for providing content and graphics.
