Join educators at The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art and discover strategies for engaging very young children in book sharing and imaginative play. This three-part workshop will feature presentations from Carle educators, exploration of books, and opportunities for discussion and reflection. Participants will receive supporting materials including supplemental readings, thematic booklists, and digital resources.
Session 1:
We will begin by discussing the importance of play in the development and early
learning of young children. Participating in an interactive storytime led by a Carle
educator, we will reflect on how to encourage early literacy and play using picture
books and simple materials. Next, we will consider criteria for selecting age-
appropriate read-aloud books and explore specific titles that invite multisensory play.
Participants will use these criteria to select a read-aloud book to share at our next
session.
Session 2:
We’ll begin by sharing and discussing the read-aloud books selected by participants.
Next, we will continue to explore specific titles that invite children to move, sing,
talk, and play. We will also consider how to select simple materials that encourage
multisensory play before, during, and after shared reading. Participants will practice
applying these interactive strategies to a read-aloud in their learning space prior to
the next session.
Session 3:
We’ll begin by sharing and reflecting on our interactive read-aloud experiences since
the previous session. Next, we’ll take an in-depth look at book extensions, with a
special focus on designing age-appropriate art projects that invite open-ended
exploration of materials. After some hands-on material play of our own, participants
will brainstorm possible art projects inspired by their favorite read-aloud titles. Using
the provided planning template and digital resources, participants will lead an
interactive storytime in their learning space to be presented at our final session.
Session 4:
Participants will present the interactive storytime they led in their learning space.
Presentations should be brief (5 minutes max) and can take any form: photos, videos,
demonstrations, sharing of children’s comment or creations - however participants
wish to document their work. Each participant will have an opportunity to share,
reflect, and field questions from the group. We will conclude by strategizing how to
continue our learning, including future opportunities to connect with The Carle.
