Public libraries’ robust programming can provide inspiration to the much smaller libraries at early education centers. That was the message shared by Sarah Simpson, family education and literacy specialist at the A. Sophie Rogers School for Early Learning, at the recent annual meeting of the Ohio Association for the Education of Young Children, held in April in Sandusky.
In her talk, Simpson discussed how pre-K learning facilities can enrich family engagement by adapting a variety of programming types regularly used by public libraries. These programming types include age-specific storytimes, thematic events that aim for a wide audience, STEAM-focused programs, and self-directed programs that children can pursue on their own (such as scavenger hunts and take-home kits). Simpson provided examples from activities at the A. Sophie Rogers School.
One such example was the school’s recent Dino Day, a large, high-interest educational program featuring an expert from Ohio State’s Orton Geological Museum. Interest in dinosaurs extends across generations, and many parents attended the school event, bringing along the siblings of students at the school.
While Simpson expected Dino Day to be popular among the students and attract some parents, even she was pleasantly surprised by how many showed up.
“I was deeply gratified to see the number of families who attended, and that many families brought older siblings, friends or cousins,” Simpson said. “I am beginning to think about next year’s Dino Day event, and I will definitely make plans for preparing more programming materials to meet that strong interest.”
Engaging and enriching educational programming is a hallmark of the A. Sophie Rogers School. Families interested in enrolling a child at the A. Sophie Rogers School for Early Learning may send email to SFC_Enrollment@osu.edu or call 614-247-7488.
