Beyond The Blog
Beyond the Blog is an evolution of The Patterson Foundation’s storytelling approach focused on creating and sharing engaging content featuring the people, organizations, and communities strengthened through the Foundation’s work. This idea began and grew in 2022 with strategic oversight from MagnifyGood, guidance from Debra Jacobs, and content planning, coordination, and production by Kellie Alexander and Rachel Hettinger.
Beyond The Blog
Connecting Communities: A Beyond the Blog Podcast - Episode 6: Little Learners, Lifelong Impact: The importance of School Readiness
What does it really mean to be school-ready?
In this episode of Connecting Communities: A Beyond the Blog Podcast, host Leah Verier-Dunn is joined by Alison Nichols, Director of Elementary Curriculum, Instruction, and Professional Learning for the School District of Manatee County, and Jennifer Harrison, K–2 Curriculum Specialist for the School District of Manatee County. Together, they unpack what school readiness truly looks like, explore the challenges children may face without it, and offer practical tips and valuable resources for parents, caregivers, and educators to help every child start school with confidence.
Timestamps
- 00:31 - Intro
- 01:44 - Alison and Jennifer break down what it means for a child to be “school ready.”
- 05:56 - Alison and Jennifer reveal the challenges a child might face if they are not school ready.
- 07:20 - Leah, Alison, and Jennifer discuss the importance of families participating in their local “Kindergarten Round-up” and how to take those practices home.
- 10:42 - Jennifer and Alison share the success of collaborating with The Patterson Foundation to provide Kindergarten Readiness Bags to all children in Manatee County.
- 13:42 - Alison and Jennifer talk about the other “Helpers” in our community and how families can find them.
- 17:16 - Big Picture Small Steps
- 17:39 - Aison & Jennifer share their long-term aspirations for School Readiness in our community.
- 20:14 - Jennifer and Alison offer numerous actionable tips to help ensure your child is school ready.
- 24:44 - Connecting with Kids
Links to Learn More
- https://www.manateeschools.net/
- https://flbt5.floridaearlylearning.com/ (Developmental Standards)
- https://www.fldoe.org/academics/standards/just-read-fl/parents.stml (Just Read Florida - Family Guides)
- https://www.thepattersonfoundation.org/
- https://www.gradelevelreadingsuncoast.net/
- https://unitedwaysuncoast.org/
- https://www.cfsarasota.org/
- https://www.oysterbar.net/dive-into-reading/
- https://soarin4.org/
- https://soarin4.org/storybook-trail/
- https://www.vroom.org
- https://www.gradelevelreadingsuncoast.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/SCGLR-Kindergarten-Readiness-Checklist.pdf
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