Words and Wiggles
Calgary Public Library, Alberta
Innovation Synopsis
Words and Wiggles is a one-hour, six-week active program for preschoolers ages three to five and a caregiver. Preschoolers build literacy skills through open-ended sensory play, while caregivers learn new ideas for play and building literacy at home. A different theme is explored each week through movement, play, song and story.
Challenge/Opportunity
Our previous Words and Wiggles program followed a traditional storytime format. The program was redesigned to better meet community needs, with a focus on inquiry-based, child-led, hands-on play. While the new program still includes books, there are more opportunities for preschoolers to explore, question, develop theories, share ideas and socialize. The whole family is now learning together, English language learners have better opportunities to participate, and connections among families from the same neighbourhood are forming.
Key Elements of Innovation
Staff who deliver the program are trained through mentorship and observation, and an online discussion board is available to share feedback, ideas and insight. The approach to the flexible program varies, but key elements include exploration time, stories, songs and a guided activity. Staff have co-created a database of over 69 sensory activities and associated resources to support the weekly themes. At the program’s end, the group is guided to the library’s Early Learning Centre.
Achieved Outcomes
The pilot phase of the program, completed in December 2017, was extremely successful. Caregiver feedback from post-program surveys included: “I love this redesigned program and tell everyone about how amazing and developmentally appropriate it is!” and “I loved the supplies used during the exploring time. They were thoughtful and provided a lot of practice with language and vocabulary.” From the September 2017 pilot to the citywide launch in 2018, 6,166 people have attended the program.
