The Tools You Need: Get Ready 2 Read
Through sharing language, dedicating quality time, and imparting essential knowledge, families are actively shaping the future, preparing Montana's youngest citizens for a lifetime of growth and learning.
This collection provides training for librarians that champions the undeniable impact parents and caregivers have on early literacy, and empowers parents and caregivers while enhancing reading programs.
Librarians, please share these programs with the families and caregivers in your communities, and make them your own. Parents and caregivers, if you found this early literacy page while searching for ways to engage and learn with a child, please know these programs are supplied to Montana libraries with your families in mind and you are welcome to use them.
Programs
MSL Texting program:
Thanks in part to funding from DPHHS we are happy to offer early literacy and learning tips along with fun activities for families and kids aged 0-4. Librarians, please share this graphic to help spread the word about this program!
You can enroll online here or encourage parents and caregivers to text MSL to 70138 to sign up through text.
Printable versions: Bookmark with QR code and room for your library logo - PDF - PNG
Books Before Bedtime
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten is a fun, early-literacy focused project that challenges families and caregivers to read 1,000 books to their children before they start kindergarten. This program focuses on helping children develop early literacy skills, empowering parents, families, and caregivers to be their children's first teachers, and encouraging quality family time in a fun and engaging way.
To start a program, you will need to support families participating in the program: This could be with prizes, milestones, early literacy tips, supplements to your collection or even just giving book recommendations! You will also need a tracking method for books read - The Montana State Library offers a digital tracking program for all of Montana through Beanstack available in web or app format, as well as 1,000 Books before Kindergarten's printable trackers.
Ready to Read Website
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
A book gifting program that mails free, high-quality books to children from birth to age five, no matter their family’s income.
Training for Librarians
Supercharged Storytimes
Supercharged Storytimes is a self-paced course consisting of six modules, which include videos, readings, activities, and reflection questions. The course provides training in how to intentionally apply research-based practices to boost early literacy in young children attending library storytime.
Ready 2 Read Goes Wild!
Bears 101 from National Geographic Video
Choteau/Teton Public Library
Madison Valley Public Library
Stillwater County Library
Glacier County Library
Red Lodge Carnegie Library
Rosebud County Library
Bat Trunk Libraries
Lewis and Clark County Library
Havre-Hill County Library
Flathead County Library - Kalispell
Billings Public Library
Reimagining School Readiness
