Early Childhood Literacy: Fostering a Love of Literature

The second in a three-part series focusing on early literacy, “Early Childhood Literacy: Fostering a Love of Literature” will take a deep dive into children’s literature. We will ask: Why are picture books important? What should parents look for in literature for young children? How can parents read and extend books to support early literacy at home? How is learning to read different from literacy? How can parents support a child who is getting ready to read or is a beginning reader?

Participants will come away with accessible tips and ideas to incorporate into day-to-day routines, including a range of book suggestions and tips to look for when choosing literature for young children. The presentation will provide hands-on strategies for parents in supporting early literacy at home while drawing from our expertise as educators to nurture children’s natural curiosity and wonder.

Work & Play: Our Story
We began our friendship over 20 years ago in New York City. As young teachers we found a unique kinship in our passion for education, shared experiences and love for our families. We both started our careers in the preschool classroom and eventually each made our way back to it.  We see young children as wonder-filled, experiential architects of learning and understanding. We believe that learning is what young children are wired to do. Through play, children do their most profound work. We created Work & Play to share, collaborate, support and coach parents. Our professional and personal backgrounds allow us to offer a truly unique perspective.

Amy Mockbee
Amy grew up mostly in New Jersey in a big family. She went to Bucknell University for Elementary Education and moved to New York City, where she received her Masters in Early Childhood Education from Bank Street College. Amy taught and lived in NYC for 11 years, including at The Brearley School and Horace Mann School. She and her husband Geoff and three children now live in Westfield, New Jersey, where for the last 12 years she has taught preschool at The Kent Place School. Amy is involved in her community, has developed curriculum in a variety of settings and has innovated learning spaces in homes as well as schools. She is a life-long learner, dedicated to building community, fostering joy and supporting parents.

Emily Boucher
Emily grew up in New Jersey. She received a degree in Elementary Education from Rosemont College and a Masters in Education from New York University. She taught both preschool and kindergarten in NYC, including at The Brearley School and The Buckley School. Emily later served as the director of Beginnings Nursery School and as the Associate Director at The Brick Church School. Emily and her family recently relocated from Darien, Connecticut, where she taught preschool, to Spring Lake, New Jersey. Emily and her husband Eric have five children. Their oldest is a junior in college and the youngest is starting second grade. Emily has served on several education-driven boards in her communities and thrives when collaborating with peers, nurturing ideas into reality and finding solutions. Emily is a consummate team-player who values parents as partners, appreciates the art of listening and continues to find joy in working with children of all ages.