Enter into Vocabby’s World
by Alisha Johnson, Ensley Branch Library
Earlier this year the Birmingham Public Library embarked on a new partnership with the McWane Science Center to introduce a hands-on exploration initiative for parents and their children called Vocabby’s World. McWane Center acquired a grant that was funded by PNC Bank, and it is focused on developing vocabulary, reading-readiness, and problem-solving skills through fun and exciting science and art activities for early childhood-aged children.
Three of the library’s branch locations—Ensley, Powderly, and Wylam— were chosen to participate and model themed lessons each month to connect parents to their child’s educational development. To prepare, staff members had to participate in mandatory training sessions and learn how to complete monthly evaluations regarding the program’s deliverables and effectiveness.
This partnership has been great for the Ensley Branch Library because we have been able to introduce Vocabby’s World to new students and parents, through outreach, while securing lifelong library patrons. One parent said, “My son absolutely loves Vocabby’s sessions and the curriculum is engaging! He is learning so much through these STEAM activities.” We have enlisted the help of our regional storytellers and they have really taken this adventure and developed Vocabby’s World in our organization. We have been extremely appreciative of the opportunity for partnership and look forward to the growth of Vocabby’s World.
Earlier this year the Birmingham Public Library embarked on a new partnership with the McWane Science Center to introduce a hands-on exploration initiative for parents and their children called Vocabby’s World. McWane Center acquired a grant that was funded by PNC Bank, and it is focused on developing vocabulary, reading-readiness, and problem-solving skills through fun and exciting science and art activities for early childhood-aged children.
Three of the library’s branch locations—Ensley, Powderly, and Wylam— were chosen to participate and model themed lessons each month to connect parents to their child’s educational development. To prepare, staff members had to participate in mandatory training sessions and learn how to complete monthly evaluations regarding the program’s deliverables and effectiveness.
This partnership has been great for the Ensley Branch Library because we have been able to introduce Vocabby’s World to new students and parents, through outreach, while securing lifelong library patrons. One parent said, “My son absolutely loves Vocabby’s sessions and the curriculum is engaging! He is learning so much through these STEAM activities.” We have enlisted the help of our regional storytellers and they have really taken this adventure and developed Vocabby’s World in our organization. We have been extremely appreciative of the opportunity for partnership and look forward to the growth of Vocabby’s World.
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