Programming Picks: Leap Into Literacy

Submitted by Cleo Joyce

This week’s Programming Picks is all about Leap Into Literacy! 

Leap into Literacy is a partnership with Forsyth County Schools which started in 2017 at Cumming Elementary. Leap targets Title 1 and high poverty schools with the goal of educating parents on early literacy practices and to teach the many benefits of reading at home. It also serves as a vehicle for orienting families with preschool age children to their local elementary schools and the library. Leap has been on pause since March of 2020 and we’re excited to finally be bringing this program back this week! For 2022 we have been able to expand Leap to include four elementary schools: Brandywine, Chattahoochee, Chestatee, and Cumming. Surveys from previous Leap programs show that it is highly impactful and is successful in increasing early literacy behaviors at home.

Each Leap into Literacy program includes a simple meal, storytime, and activity stations designed around the five early literacy practices: talking, reading, writing, playing, and singing. Each family that attends gets a bag of goodies which includes information about library resources, early literacy practices and activities, and a free book! Each program is designed around a book character and March’s programs will feature the Dragon from Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin and illustrated by Daniel Salmieri.

Leap into Literacy programs are designed for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, but children of all ages are welcome to attend with a caregiver. Admission is free. Anyone is welcome to attend even if the hosting school is not their districted elementary school.

Leap into Literacy would not be possible without community sponsors. Our sponsor for 2022 is South Forsyth Rotary who are generously funding Leap with a grant that is being matched by the Rotary. A big thank you to Ann Decherd who helped the library secure these funds! Leap is also sponsored by Forsyth County Schools and FCPL Friends & Advocates.

Leap into Literacy is definitely a team effort with HQ staff, Outreach staff, youth services branch staff, Forsyth County School staff, and volunteers from our sponsor organizations all working together to make these programs happen. It really does take a village!

Leap into Literacy will take place on the following dates. Each program will begin at 5:30 p.m.

Monday, March 14 at Chattahoochee Elementary (includes Chestatee Elementary staff and students)

Tuesday, March 15 at Cumming Elementary

Thursday, March 17 at Brandywine Elementary

The branches will also be hosting Leap programs in June featuring Pete the Cat so stay tuned for more details. FCPL is excited to Leap back into Literacy!

We also have some great programs in the branches this week including programs for our Women’s History Month Celebrating Women series, a Citizenship Clinic, the penultimate Great Decisions program, and a Korean culture program for teens! Don’t forget to check out the full calendar of FCPL events for all ages.