Early Literacy Play Spaces

at Hennepin County Library

Presented by Tracy Hvezda-LehtolaYouth Services Librarian

Introducing Play in the Library

5 Early Literacy Practices

Early Literacy Traveling Team (ELTT)

Our Process

1. Meet with library staff to learn about their hopes and dreams for their early literacy play space.

2. Create a purchase list of play items that fit with their vision and their community.

3. Schedule a date for installation.

4. Provide play training for all staff.

5. Pair each Youth Services librarian with a mentor from the ELTT.

letters, numbers, color mixing, earth science, life science, engineering, creativity

Light table

Dollhouse

imaginative play, narrative skills, vocabulary building, community building, social skills, creativity

Science & Math

logic, problem solving, observation skills, sorting & measuring, vocabulary building

Reading &Writing

mark-making & pre-writing practice, letter recognition, hand-eye coordination, exploration of artists’ tools

Pair Collection with Play Activity

Rotate Play Activities

Consider a Theme

Caregiver Prompts

Caregiver Prompts

Considerations for Size

Considerations for Size

Considerations for Size

Traveling Play Kits

Explore new possibilities!