The academic research shows that a strong foundation for reading and writing skills at a young age will positively impact future academic growth and success. Early childhood literacy skills are a focus of our Turner Parents as Teachers program and preschool curriculum, but learning these skills can take place outside of an academic setting!

Inspired by the idea of early childhood literacy being a community effort, Turner’s Early Literacy Coordinator, Ashley Copple, has for years wanted to embed literacy opportunities in and around our local community. That has included adding children’s books in places like The Windmill KC and partnering with the Turner Community Library on no-cost events for our families.

Although these initiatives have produced a positive impact, Copple and her staff at Turner Parents as Teachers felt that what the community really needed was a dedicated space where children and their families could come and engage in early literacy activities.

Last spring, they were thinking through how to use the remaining funds from a Kansas Health Foundation grant the district received in 2020, and realized there were enough funds to build a literacy room if they could find an existing space.

Copple approached Turner Recreation Commission about the opportunity, and along with Turner Community Library, they identified a room on the main floor of the building that could be renovated. The proximity to the library was ideal since early literacy skills and access to children’s books are intertwined.

With the help of Turner USD 202 facilities staff, the room underwent the needed renovations over the course of a few months. By early spring, the room was brighter and filled with children’s furniture and activity stations.

Turner Parents as Teachers staff thoughtfully picked out a variety of activities that support early literacy development, including books, a playhouse for dramatic play, a train set, and building materials like blocks and magnatiles, among many others.

The Turner Literacy Room is meant for community residents with children ages 0 to 5. The hours will be similar to the hours of the Turner Community Library, with the exception of a few hours a week when the room will be utilized by Turner Recreation Commission’s after care and summer camp programs. To access the room, families should check-in at the library.

Seeing what started out as just a dream come to fruition has been a highlight for all involved in this project. About the process, Copple shared, “My hope for this space is that it brings joy and excitement to children as they visit the Turner Community Library and ultimately, a joy and love for reading. This room would not have been possible without such incredible community partnerships. Thank you to Turner Recreation, Turner Community Library, and the Turner School District administration and staff for all your support in making this a reality for our community and families.”

For more information, contact CoppleA@TurnerUSD202.org.

 

How to Support Early Literacy Skills at Home:

• Read books daily - up to ten minutes a few times a day is best for children ages 0 - 4.
• To promote fine motor skills, play with wooden puzzles that have pegs and nobs as well as large wooden beads and strings.
• Sing with your child, especially nursery rhymes!
• Do crafts together and have your child talk about what they made.
• Engage in dramatic play where your child can make believe and act out scenarios.
• Don't forget about getting outside or visiting indoor play spaces where your child can run, jump, and climb. These activities support large motor development, which supports early literacy development as well!