Better Beginnings suggests a range of options for delivering the Kindergarten program to local schools. Libraries can choose which delivery models will work best for them and their schools. This flexible approach acknowledges that there is no one-size-fits-all approach and allows libraries to make their own decisions. Some details about common delivery models, along with downloads to useful resources which may assist you in your chosen delivery model, are outlined below.
Dropping packs at school
This is a quick option which allows library staff with limited time to deliver the packs to their local schools. If you find that your workload prohibits you from delivering a time intensive session at a local school (class presentation, assembly presentation etc), then speak to the school contact and arrange a time to drop the packs to the school, or alternatively, for a school staff member to visit the library and collect them from you. If you do opt for this delivery model, we suggest personalising the packs with information from your library. This may include a welcome letter, membership form or flyer about upcoming events. In doing so, you inform the parents and caregivers of the purpose of the pack and link them back to your library service.
Class presentations
This is a delivery model commonly requested by schools. Below is a suggested outline for a 30-minute session:
- Introduce yourself and talk about your library.
- Ask the children some questions.
- Have you visited the public library before?
- Do you have a library card?
- Discuss with them what usually happens when you get a book from the library. Ie: You borrow the book and read it, but then you give it back.
- Show children the gift book from the reading pack and read the book aloud. Explain that the book in this pack is a present from the library, which means you never have to give it back. There is a pack for everyone.
- Show children the contents of the reading pack and talk about the things that each child will be receiving in their bag.
- Read a second story. Suggestions for a complimentary title can be found in the Sample Kindy Class Presentation (below).
- Share a storytelling experience. Storytelling suggestions can be found in the Sample Kindy Class Presentation (below).
- Allow children to ask questions.
- Thank the class and the teacher for their time and encourage them to reread the story and complete the activity with their family at home.
- Encourage them to visit the local library and become a library member (if they are not already) so they can find more great books and other resources for free.
Assembly Visit
Speaking to the entire school at a school assembly is a good way to reach parents, children and teaching staff. It also provides the opportunity to promote the public library and any upcoming events. Below is a suggested outline for an assembly presentation:
- Introduce yourself and talk about your library.
- Explain that the reason for the visit is to present all Kindergarten children with a free reading pack that they can enjoy with their family. [Show the pack that children will receive].
- Encourage all students and parents to read together, tonight and every day.
- Encourage them to visit the local library and become a library member (if they are not already) so they can find more great books and other resources for free.
Parent Talk
Parents are the most important audience for the messages of the Better Beginnings program. They have the most influence on whether reading at home occurs and choosing this delivery model allows for direct communication with them. This option is sometimes selected by schools if they wish the reading packs to be distributed to families at their Kindergarten orientation. Below is a suggested outline for a parent talk:
- Introduce yourself and talk about your library.
- Discuss the Better Beginnings program.
- Highlight to parents the lasting benefits to children who are immersed in home literacy practices. To emphasise this:
- Discuss AEDC statistics www.aedc.gov.au;
- Share quotes about literacy development.
- Show examples of excellent children’s literature and hand out Better Beginnings booklists which offers suggestion of good books.
- Share ideas on encouraging home literacy practices with their children.
- Encourage them to visit the local library and become a library member (if they are not already) so they can find more great books and other resources for free.
Library Visit
For children who have never visited their local library before, a school visit provides a great introduction. For this type of visit, follow the suggested class presentation outline, but also include a brief tour of the library to help children become familiar with the layout. It is also a good idea to send membership applications home via the school in advance of the visit so children can join the library and borrow books on the day.
Other Possibilities
- Set up a display outside the classroom and catch parents as they pick up their child at the end of the day.
- Host a Better Beginnings party at the library.
- Combine the distribution of the Kindergarten packs with Book Week or another event when schools are likely to be visiting the library anyway.
