Victoria Radford

Victoria Radford

Elementary Librarian, Yokohama International School

Eclectic reader and reviewer, inspired and inspiring lover of children’s literature. Dynamic and experienced PYP librarian, inquiry-based teacher, and lifelong learner, with sixteen years’ experience of working with EAL and Early Years students in an international school context. Passionate advocate of school libraries as a hub for learning for students, teachers and parents. MSc thesis research focused on how primary schools can use digital outreach as a means of connecting with and educating parent communities. Set up the kindergarten library at ESF Tsing Yi, Hong Kong. Currently working as Elementary Librarian at Yokohama International School, and oversaw the redesign of the library space during the move to a new campus. Nominating librarian for the annual Sakura Medal Book Awards (https://sites.google.com/view/sakuramedal/home).

The library world is full of incredible library spaces and good practice, but libraries are not only for the literate! Early Years learners as young as 2-3 years can engage with library spaces as inquirers and explorers. This presentation will empower you to move beyond the readaloud with practical ways to build on kindergarten learners’ understanding of library systems and conventions, including developing an IB PYP library for Early Years learners. Topics covered will include:

  • Creating an EY accessible library space that fosters independence and understanding of library systems in an age-appropriate way
  • Genrifcation of picture books and non fiction books to make for an accessible, comprehensive library collection
  • Building competence and library skills through an accessible collection and space
  • Developing key conceptual understandings in the following areas:
    • Decoding texts for meaning with pre-literate learners
    • Different purposes of books
    • Connecting texts to own experiences