Welcome to the training modules to guide you in creating engaging early years programs. These ideas are informed by the Early language and literacy in NSW public libraries framework developed by Dr Emilia Djonov, Dr Jane Torr, Dr Maree Stenglin and the work of Dr James Thomas (Mr Jim), children's singer, songwriter Nancy Stewart and early childhood literacy expert Saroj Nadkarni Ghoting.

• Minimise distractions

• helicopter arms
• sitting on a designated cushion
• picnic blankets per family group

• Letter of the week / month might influence your choice of books
• Can you use some non-fiction books to build the children's background knowledge?

• Talking and listening
• Making space for children to respond
• Asking open questions

Using the same welcome song each week sets the scene and becomes familiar and children and families will join in as they learn the songs. Even babies will recognise a familiar tune.

• Jbrary have a Youtube playlist of lots of hello and goodbye songs. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcw3Y8sV0xpuV8woqMSnY2MpjuYfPERja You could try this song:

• riding in a buggy (A4 paper boxes as buggies)

• “welcome today friends of mine” song with nametags

• where is my “A”? also with key sign language
• Letter of the month - display the letter in upper and lower case. Display words that begin with the letter and pictures of things that start with the letter (a single, double and triple syllable word). How many claps can we fit into each word?

• Teddy bear, teddy bear turn around
• Hokey Pokey

Only count number of people who participate in the early learning program.

• For pre–school story time – only count the number of children, carers should not be included
• For a lapsit or baby storytime program, both carer and child should be counted as both participate.

Definition from the Bibliostat instructions on SLNSW website at https://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/public-library-services/advice-and-best-practice/public-library-statistics