With the Ready to Succeed program, it is our goal that everyone involved with the development of children birth to five years old will value and embrace their role in fostering early literacy and school readiness. We strive for all children to begin school eager and excited to learn. To see what is currently happening with the program, be sure to stop by the workshops and events page.
Ready to Succeed has two core parts in its program delivery. Workshops are conducted for parents, providers, and other professionals in Placer County using our own locally written, nationally recognized curricula:
"Let's Read Together" ~ Early Literacy Development
"Off to a Good Start" ~ Kindergarten Readiness
>> "Let's Read Together" workshops are designed to:
> Promote knowledge about and enjoyment of books for young children.
> Reinforce the idea that reading primarily involves creating meaning and enjoyment.
> Share and model good reading strategies when reading aloud with children.
> Promote discussion of ways to deal with important issues and concerns of parents.
> Provide materials and model activities designed to promote positive interaction with children.
"Let's Read Together" uses interactive, hands-on activities to teach simple, effective techniques to foster early literacy development in young children. It's not about teaching children to read early, but ways to build the strong foundational skills children need for later formal reading instruction. Those attending the workshops receive a new copy of the featured book and many great activities to do with their child at home that build on the concepts taught during the workshop. To see the workshops in action, please take a moment to visit the Let's Read Together Photo Album.
The workshops are separated into three groups with age appropriate concepts and activities in each. Each workshop has a different literacy development focus and is based on the following popular children's books:
• PRESCHOOL WORKSHOPS ~ PARENTS OF 3-5 YEAR OLDS
Book: The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle ~ Topic: Creating Language Rich Environments
Book: Frog On His Own by Mercer Mayer ~ Topic: The Importance of Oral Storytelling
Book: Rosie's Walk by Pat Hutchins ~ Topic: Selecting Books for Preschoolers
Book: Alphabet Fiesta by Anne Miranda ~ Topic: Getting Ready for Kindergarten through Play
Book: Is Your Mama a Llama? by Deborah Guarino ~ Topic: Getting Ready to Read
Book: The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear by Don and Audrey Wood ~ Topic: Brain Development in Preschoolers
• TODDLER PARENT WORKSHOPS ~ PARENTS OF 18-36 MONTH OLDS
Book: Where's Spot? by Eric Hill ~ Topic: Tips for Reading to Toddlers
Book: Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See? ~ Topic: Language and Print Rich Environments
Book: Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown ~ Topic: Tips for Bedtime Reading
Book: Growing Vegetable Soup by Lois Ehlert ~ Topic: Helping Toddlers Learn
Book: That's Not My Dinosaur by Fiona Watt ~ Topic: Brain Development in Toddlers
Book: Numbers by Clare Beaton ~ Topic: Toddler Development
• INFANT PARENT WORKSHOPS ~ PARENTS OF 0-18 MONTH OLDS
Book: Read to Your Bunny by Rosemary Wells ~ Topic: Why Read to Infants
Book: Baby Born by Anatasia Suen ~ Topic: Infant Development
Book: Animals to Count by Brian Wildsmith ~ Topic: Brain Development
Book: My First Real Mother Goose ~ Topic: Langauge Rich Environments
Book: My Colors by Rebecca Emberely ~ Topic: Selecting Books for Infants
>> The "Off to a Good Start" workshop series is designed to help parents learn:
> about kindergarten expectations and the skills and knowledge their children need to help them get off to a good start.
> simple activities to do with their children which promote the learning needed for kindergarten.
> how to interact with their children in ways that promote enjoyment, self-confidence, and the social skills necessary for kindergarten success.
> how to connect with their children's school to promote effective home-school cooperation.
> the importance of good health and well-being and their contribution to school success.
The "Off to a Good Start" seven-part workshop series is designed to help parents of four year olds interact and guide their children in ways that promote their development and their social and intellectual readiness for kindergarten. It is also designed to help parents become willing and effective partners with school personnel in promoting their children's educational achievement. Though appropriate for parents of all preschool age children, the program is especially helpful for parents who may need extra help in preparing their children for kindergarten success. To see the workshops in action, please visit the Off to a Good Start Photo Album.
Workshop topics for "Off to a Good Start" include:
• Kindergarten Expectations
• Language and Learning
• Getting Ready to Read
• Social and Emotional Preparation
• Problem-Solving and Inquiry
• Health and Well-Being
• Home to School Connection
>> FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact Paula Westeren for more information or if you are interested in booking workshops for your group or organization. There are many methods of program delivery and workshops can be tailored to meet your needs. Also be sure to visit the Upcoming Workshops and Events page to see what is currently scheduled.
>> PROGRAM STAFF:
Sharon K. Junge
Nutrition, Family, and Consumer Sciences Advisor
530 885-7385
skjunge@ucdavis.edu
Paula R. Westeren
Program Representive ~ Early Literacy
530 889-7350
prwesteren@ucdavis.edu
>> OFFICE INFORMATION:
11477 E Avenue
Auburn, CA 95603
530 889-7350 phone
530 889-7397 fax