Early Literacy Buffet

On Saturday, March 25, 2011 the SF Early Literacy Network presented the Early Literacy Buffet at the San Francisco Main Library. This event brought 65 early childhood educators, many family daycare providers, out of the rain and into the library for a scrumptious breakfast catered by the Mint Café and morning of learning. With the goal of supporting, engaging, and nurturing this community, the event included a showcase of partners and resources, followed by a tour of the Main Library's Fisher Children’s Center and two concurrent professional development trainings led by ELN members. In additional to our booklists and Certificate of Professional Development, each provider received a copy of Lola at the Library and All the World to refresh their classroom library. Educators were overjoyed to receive such an abundance of resources.

Representing the San Francisco Public Library were Christy Estrovitz, Brian Castagne, Katrin Reimuller, Amy Perry, Loretta Dowell, and Toni Bernardi. ELN members included Catherine Aranda (Jumpstart) Janell Bolte (formerly of Raising A Reader), Karen Drachler (Bring Me A Book Foundation), Lynne Maes (Raising A Reader), Betsy Keever Russakoff (formerly of Raising A Reader), and Alli Spector (Jamestown Community Center).

A very welcoming Lynne Maes.

Molly Wertz and Karen Drachler manage registration with ease.

Healthy and tasty breakfast provided for all.

Robert Doerr and Ginger charm the crowd.

Christy Estrovitz highlights the wealth of early literacy and family activities
provided through the San Francisco Public Library.

Approximately 65 educators gain resources.

Katrin Reimuller collects the raffle entries at the ELN resource table.

Alli Spector draws a lucky winner.

Experiencing the Play to Learn area
during a guided tour of the Fisher Children's Center.

Katrin and Amy Perry highlight the resources and field questions.

Lynne and Alli lead a group through a wide range of learning activities in the
"Language and Literacy Development Through Song, Story, and Movement" workshop.

Lynne and Alli showcase creative dramatic strategies using "Where the Wild Things Are."

Janell Bolte and Betsy Keever Russakoff put theory into practice during the
"Recipe for Rockin' Read Alouds: A Delicious Treat for the Young Child."

Héloïse Courty, Catherine Arnada, Christy, and Toni Bernardi
in lively discussion.

Katrin debriefs with the rarely photographed Brian Castagne.

Educators model reading strategies.

Reading up a storm.

Janell and Betsy facilitate a spirited
"I am a Superstar because I love my books and I love to read!"anthem.

Thank you to all of the participants, facilitators, interns, sponsors
and all others who made this event such a rousing success.

Warm Regards, Christy

Photos by Amy, Betsy, and Brian.
Feel free to use them for non-profit purposes but please give credit / attribution.