ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Rochester Public Library is teaming up with the Greater Rochester Summer Learning Association to help prepare children for kindergarten through reading programs and hands-on activities.
The “Big Kid for A Day” event takes place at the Rochester Central Library on South Avenue from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday. Kids will have library time, a mock gym class, and art and music time.
Tonia Burton, a children’s services consultant at the Rochester Central Library, says the event introduces children to routines. They’ll also learn some things they probably haven’t needed at home but will in school.
“They’re going to learn to walk in a single-file line. We have talked to kindergarten teachers and said, what are the things that you wish kids knew? Day one? So we’re not talking about the whole school year, just the first day,” Burton said. “And the two things that the teachers all told us was walking a single-file line and how to carry a lunch tray, which seemed really odd to us. But the first time we did this several years ago, carrying the lunch tray is a challenge. So they’re going to carry their lunch tray and they’re going to go to the lunchroom. And they’ll get pizza and drinks and some snacks for the whole family.”
Supporting summer learning
For the event, the library is partnering with Summer LEAP, a program that focuses on getting 3-year-olds and 4-year-olds ready for school. Library staff visits these sites weekly to do storytimes and provide activity packets that families can work on at home.
“We think that’s really important, that school-home connection,” Burton said. “But also letting families know that the library is here to support them when their kids aren’t in school.”
The program includes activity packets that relate to Summer LEAP’s weekly curriculum themes. Families receive these packets on Fridays to continue learning at home.
Burton said the partnership helps promote library programs to families who might not otherwise visit one of the library locations. The collaboration coincides with the library’s Raising a Reader sites throughout the city.
Tariq Smith, the executive director of the Greater Rochester Summer Learning Association. The Summer Leap Program is wrapping up a six-week academic intensive course to get the little ones ready for school.
“I feel it’s everybody in the community’s responsibility to do their part. Early literacy efforts need to be increased, and parents need to know what’s available for them. And this is one great resource,” Smith said.
Aiming to boost reading proficiency in Rochester
ROC Alliances’ State of the Children report shows only about 20 percent of kids once they get to third grade are reading proficiently. Smith says the best investment a community can make is in its kids.
“The earlier you come with your kids, the more you learn about all the different ways that the library can support you in every stage of life,” Burton said.
The library offers more than just books, including help with food insecurity, housing, taxes, backpacks for exploring parks and even sewing machines that families can check out.
Families can also get kids signed up for the city’s new R-Future Funds, Rochester’s first children’s savings account initiative. The city also has a big push for pre-K, and families can sign up tonight as well.
Rochester library program aims to get students kindergarten-ready and boost reading proficiency WHEC.com.
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