Ready 2 Read

Ready 2 Read Website

The Ready 2 Read Website is full of resources for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, parents and librarians. Find tools, tips, songs, games, videos and webinars to get Ready 2 Read!

Texting Program

The Ready 2 Read Texting Program was launched in October 2015 in order to provide parents and caregivers of four-year-olds FREE early literacy tips through texts on their phone. Those who sign up will receive three text messages per week for 8 months that provide easy, fun, and useful ideas for helping children develop and practice their early literacy skills.

Signing up for the program is FREE and EASY. Text the word "SIGNUP" to 406-204-3583

Ready 2 Read Texting Program Press Release

Ready 2 Read Texting Program FAQs

Full Text Message List: Outlines the texting tips program subscribers will receive.

Graphics and Printables

Logos

R2R Bison

R2R Elk

Publicity Cards

Bookmarks

Posters

Texting Program

Supercharged Storytime Learning Cohort

The Montana State Library has started organizing small learning cohorts to work through the Supercharged Storytimes course through Webjunction. Cohort participants work through each of the self-paced modules, and meet online to discuss materials and share ideas.

From Webjuction: "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."

Webjunction Supercharged Storytime Course Link

Webjunction Supercharged Storytime History

If you are interested in participating in a Supercharged Storytime cohort, please contact Bobbi deMontigny to apply for a spot in the next cohort.

Ready 2 Read Goes Wild

The Ready 2 Read Goes Wild program, a joint project between the Montana State Library and Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, uses nature and Montana animals to spark kids' interest in language and literacy, math and science, and the natural world that surrounds them.

The Ready 2 Read Goes Wild program uses two outdoor education curriculums

Growing Up Wild: Outdoor education and activities for kids aged 3 – 7

Project Wild: Outdoor education and activities for kids 8+

This program is possible thanks to our participating libraries, and Ryan Schmaltz and Danielle Oyler at Fish Wildlife and Parks.

Ryan Schmaltz, FWP Montana WILD Educator

Danielle Oyler, FWP Bear Education

Supplemental Materials

Bear Coloring Book

Bear Bookmarks

Bears 101 from National Geographic Video

Bat Week webpage

Participating Libraries

There are two trunks available for these programs. They can be requested from participating libraries.

Anyone at these libraries with a library card in good standing can check out the trunks and use them for educational programming.

Bear Trunk Libraries

Della VanSetten, Choteau/Teton Public Library

Karen Ketchu, Madison Valley Public Library

Andrew Boll, Stillwater County Library

Austin Castle, Glacier County Library

Bat Trunk Libraries

Molly Hudson, Lewis and Clark County Library

Ashley Martin, Havre-Hill County Library

Ann Brooks, ImagineIF Kalispell

Allynne Ellis, Billings Public Library

Reimagining School Readiness

The Reimagining School Readiness Train-the-Trainer program is a professional development program. Originally developed by the Bay Area Discovery Museum (BADM) in collaboration with the California State Library (CSL), Reimagining School Readiness is a set of free resources which including tips and strategies for librarians, and activities for children and caregivers that prepare children for success in school. The current program is offered as part of a nearly $250,000 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) awarded to Pacific Library Partnership (PLP). PLP is partnering with BADM, and CSL to train libraries across the country on how to use the tools to positively impact families and children in their communities.

Please read more about BADM, the Reimagining School Readiness Toolkit, and the IMLS grant at the following links:

2019 Press Release from BADM about National Expansion of RSR Toolkit

RSR Toolkit Resources on the BADM Website

2022 MSL Press Release about Reimagining School Readiness in Montana

1000 Books Before Kindergarten

1000 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.1000 Books Before Kindergarten was originally created in Nevada, and has since spread across the nation, with programs flourishing in all kinds of communities.How Does It Work?Public libraries can create their own 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program to help encourage all pre-K children in the community and their families learn to love reading and strengthen their early literacy skills.

To start a program, you will need:

A Tracking Method for Books read
A theme
Support for families participating in the program: This could be prizes, milestones, early literacy tips, supplements to your collection or even just giving book recommendations!

Participating Libraries in Montana

Billings Public Library

Lewis and Clark Library

Glacier County Library

Sidney-Richland County Library

Other Resources

1000 Books Before Kindergarten Website

1000 Books Before Kindergarten Materials from Demco

Ready 2 Read Rendezvous