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Early Literacy

Early literacy is what children know about communication, language—verbal and non-verbal—reading and writing before they can actually read and write.

Resources for Early Childhood Professionals

Scroll down to find:

  • Educator Library Card - Special Card for Preschool Teachers and Child Care Providers
  • Career and Educational Databases
  • Databases for Young Children

Upcoming Early Literacy Presentations

Rhyme Time Teacher Workshop

Join us for Rhyme Time- a two-hour workshop exploring the many uses of rhymes with preschoolers. This workshop will include songs, poems, nursery rhymes and books in rhyme along with some hands-on activities to use in your classroom.

This training is for preschool teacher of children ages 3-5. Registration is required.

Thursday, April 13 at 6:30 p.m. Register. (Registration opens on Thursday, March 23.)

The Science Seed: Incorporating Science Throughout Your Preschool Day

The Science Seed teacher training strives to show preschool teachers how much of what they are already doing can be thought of in a scientific way. By encouraging students to question the world around them, venture a guess based on what they know, and to generally think like a scientist, they can gain a love of science and a love of learning of all subjects as they grow.

The Science Seed teacher training will include:

  • Review of general science terms for daily use.
  • Ideas for incorporating science and scientific thought into all aspects of the preschool day…circle time, art, snack, recess, play time
  • Resources for short term and long-term projects for the classroom
  • Resources for science-based books, magazines, toys, equipment and supplies
  • Examples of preschool appropriate science activities and materials

This workshop is intended for preschool teachers of children ages 3 to 5. Registration is required.

Saturday, May 20 at 10:00 a.m. Register. (Registration opens Saturday, April 29.)

 

Educator Library Card

adult with children

As part of Fairfax County Public Library's commitment to the academic success of teachers and children in Fairfax County, the library offers a special library card called the Educator Library Card to all preschool through post-secondary public and private school teachers, as well as homeschool parents and guardians teaching in Fairfax County or the City of Fairfax.

With an Educator Library Card, educators can keep books for six weeks and borrow up to 30 items. Damaged or lost fees do apply and the card expires annually. Educators may renew if the account is free of fees and overdue materials.

How do you get an Educator Library Card? Bring to any branch proof of your address and educator status. Proof of educator status includes official school identification, homeschool certification or preschool verification.

If you have any questions, please send an email to LibEarlyLiteracy@fairfaxcounty.gov.  

Career and Educational Databases

Lifelong education and learning is among the County's key strategic focus areas and Fairfax County Public Library offers online resources for continuing education and enjoyment. Most sites require a library card for use outside the library.

  • LearningExpress Library provides practice tests, tutorials and eBooks to prepare for academic and licensing tests. Coverage spans elementary school skills through adult job skills and citizenship test preparation.
  • LinkedIn Learning (Formerly Lynda.com)is an online learning platform with relevant expertly-produced courses covering a variety of topics in Business and Technology. If prompted for an organizational URL or ID, use fairfaxlibrary.
  • Universal Class brings libraries lifelong learning courses in over 30 subject areas, many of which offer continuing education units (CEUs). More than 500 courses are available, and all are designed and led by professional instructors to build deeper understanding and mastery of subject matter. Universal Class includes videos, assignments, quizzes, tests, and options for social media interaction with other learners. Patrons may take multiple classes and learn at their own pace.

Databases for Young Children

Fairfax County Public Library offers online resources for education and enjoyment. Most sites require a library card for use outside the library.

  • Scholastic Go! provides credible, accurate, reliable content on almost every core-curricula subject, Scholastic GO!® offers endless resources for research in a multitude of media. Explore nonfiction texts, world newspapers, videos and more with this easy-to-navigate digital resource designed to strengthen content knowledge, vocabulary, and core proficiency skills.
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