Early Childhood Literacy and Addressing the Whole Child Through Multi-Literacy Experiences
Channel: SJSU School of Information
Date: 2015-11-23

Visit the SJSU iSchool at http://ischool.sjsu.edu/

Podcast Links:
http://amazon.sjsu.edu/slisPod/colloquia/fa15/lisWrennBakerFA15.mp3
http://amazon.sjsu.edu/slisPod/colloquia/fa15/lisWrennBakerFA15.mp4

Abstract:
Early literacy development is more connected to technology and other hands-on experiences than ever before. It is crucial that libraries address the needs of the whole child, including multi-literacy skills like visual-audio, digital, textual, technological, sensory, social and social-emotional. During this colloquium, the presenters will discuss how library services and programming impact a child’s literacy development. They will also take a look at the iSchool’s Early Childhood Literacy curriculum and how it prepares MLIS students for careers in young adult library services.

Biography: Beth Wrenn-Estes
Beth Wrenn-Estes is a lecturer at the San José State University (SJSU) School of Information (iSchool). She has been teaching courses in the youth services career pathway of the iSchool’s MLIS program for eight years. Previously, she worked at Lone Tree Library in Douglas County, Colorado as a youth services librarian and was responsible for both programming and services. Fueled by her passion for libraries and youth, Wrenn-Estes is currently researching Early Childhood Literacy and Learning in library and non-library environments. Wrenn-Estes' research interests also include information seeking behaviors of youth and serving disconnected youth in public and school populations through both children and young adult literature, as well as effective and diverse programming and services.

Wrenn-Estes received the iSchool’s Outstanding Teacher Award in 2012 and The Most Distinguished (Faculty) Service award in 2014.

Biography: R. Lynn Baker
R. Lynn Baker is a proud graduate from the San José State University School of Information, receiving her Master’s degree in Library and Information Science in spring 2015. Baker is currently an adjunct professor for Northern Kentucky University, teaching Library Programs for Children.

She is also a speaker and advocate for early childhood education, early literacy, and public libraries. Through her work in public library service as a youth services specialist at Paul Sawyier Public Library in Frankfort, Kentucky, Baker has developed school readiness programs and curricula for preschool children, families, and communities. As a former preschool and kindergarten teacher, Baker holds a Bachelor's of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education and a minor in Special Education, as well as her professional librarian certificate from the Kentucky Department of Libraries and Archives. She is also a credentialed early childhood trainer, and works as a language and literacy consultant for early care and education trainings.

Through the culmination of her education and experiences, Baker was instrumental in the development of the Kentucky Public Library School Readiness Task Force, and is collaborating with Northern Kentucky University to develop a school readiness credential program for public libraries across the nation. The READiness Matters credential launched its first set of workshops online in August 2015. Baker has led workshops at the Kentucky Summer Reading Conference, the Ready Kids Conference, the Kentucky Library Association Conference, and numerous webinars. Her work has been published by San José State University’s SLIS Descriptor; ALSC’s Everyday Advocacy Matters; and KLA’s Kentucky Libraries. Her book, Counting Down to Kindergarten: A Complete Guide to Creating a School Readiness Program for Your Community, was published by the American Library Association in July 2015.