If you prefer, you can create more than the four core kits and rotate them however you wish. At present, Project READ Literacy Network facilitators use 8 kits in a weekly rotation but we have created 11 kits. The 11 thematic kits that we have include the first four plus: these supplemental kits:
It has taken us three years to build up to 11 kits. Every session we use the four core kits and rotate the supplementary kits for variety. As previously suggested, you can get by using 4 kits. It is costly and time-consuming to create each kit so we have developed the lesson plans based on the four key kits.
An important thing to remember is to sterilize the toys after use. We wipe down the toys and
board books after class since infants may have put them in their mouths. You can purchase
chemical and natural wipes or create a solution of vinegar and water and/or bleach and
water.
The kits cost between $300 - $1,000 to assemble. They represent a significant and worthwhile
investment that is key to the success of your program. When starting out, it is suggested that if
you cannot purchase the supplies listed here, borrow books and toys from the libraries or Early
Years Centres (if in Ontario).
The crafts have been chosen for different reasons, depending on the lesson. Crafts enhance the learning that takes place in children. As well, they provide more opportunities for the parent and child to interact in a positive manner. In some cases, the parents are not familiar with doing crafts so it provides a learning opportunity for them as well. The practical application of new concepts is important to reinforcing learning.
There are suggested crafts following each kit. Each facilitator may pick and choose the crafts that he or she wishes to use to supplement the lesson. Crafts are meant to be simple enough that the families can do them at home. Also, you need to remember that you want the child to be able to do most of the craft without a lot of assistance from their parents. Therefore, they need to be simple.
As a facilitator, there are two perspectives regarding bringing a sample craft to show the families. Some facilitators believe that if you bring a sample, it shows the families what you expect them to create at home which may be interpreted by participants as performance pressure. Another perspective is the facilitator only distributes the craft materials and allows the families to create whatever they want with the materials. This tends to allow creativity and exploration of the materials, as well as providing less structure to the activity. It is up to each facilitator to determine what method works best.