The Tools You Need: Get Ready 2 Read

This collection provides librarians with valuable resources to empower parents and caregivers in enhancing reading programs. It also champions the undeniable impact parents and caregivers have on early literacy. Through sharing language, dedicating quality time, and imparting essential knowledge, they are actively shaping the future, preparing Montana's youngest citizens for a lifetime of growth and learning.

Ready to Read Website

The Ready 2 Read Website is an outward facing page dedicated to parents, caregivers, and anyone else working with young learners. It is full of resources for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, parents and librarians. Find tools, tips, songs, games, videos and webinars to get Ready 2 Read!

Small heart in red circle

Supercharged Storytimes

Image of kids reading and participating in activities

Supercharged Storytimes is a self-paced course consisting of six modules, which include videos, readings, activities, and reflection questions. The course provides training in how to intentionally apply research-based practices to boost early literacy in young children attending library storytime.

Ready 2 Read Goes Wild!

The Ready 2 Read Goes Wild program, a joint project between the Montana State Library and Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, uses nature and Montana animals to spark kids' interest in language and literacy, math and science, and the natural world that surrounds them.

The Ready 2 Read Goes Wild program uses two outdoor education curriculums:

Growing Up Wild: Outdoor education and activities for kids aged 3 – 7

Project Wild: Outdoor education and activities for kids 8+

This program is possible thanks to our participating libraries, and Ryan Schmaltz and Danielle Oyler at Fish Wildlife and Parks.

Supplemental Materials

Bear Coloring Book

Bear Bookmarks

Bears 101 from National Geographic Video

Bear Trunk Libraries

Della VanSetten, Choteau/Teton Public Library

Karen Ketchu, Madison Valley Public Library

Andrew Boll, Stillwater County Library

Austin Castle, Glacier County Library

Jodi Moore, Red Lodge Carnegie Library

Yvonne Redding, Rosebud County Library

Bat Trunk Libraries

Molly Hudson, Lewis and Clark County Library

Ashley Martin, Havre-Hill County Library

Ann Brooks, ImagineIF Kalispell

Allynne Ellis, Billings Public Library

Reimagining School Readiness

The Reimagining School Readiness Train-the-Trainer program is a professional development program that includes a set of free resources which include tips and strategies for librarians, and activities for children and caregivers that prepare children for success in school.

2022 MSL Press Release about Reimagining School Readiness in Montana

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten is a fun, early-literacy focused project that challenges families and caregivers to read 1,000 books to their children before they start kindergarten. This program focuses on helping children develop early literacy skills, empowering parents, families, and caregivers to be their children's first teachers, and encouraging quality family time in a fun and engaging way.

To start a program, you will need to support families participating in the program: This could be with prizes, milestones, early literacy tips, supplements to your collection or even just giving book recommendations! You will also need a tracking method for books read - The Montana State Library offers a digital tracking program through Beanstack that is available in web or app format, as well as 1,000 Books before Kindergarten's printable trackers.

MSL Texting program:

Thanks in part to funding from DPHHS we are happy to offer early literacy and learning tips along with fun activities for you and kids aged 0-4. Librarians, please share this graphic to help spread the word about this program!

Parents and caregivers - Text MSL to 70138 to get started!