The Akron Ready Steps program provides training for Head Start teachers to improve early literacy skills in preschool children. The program aims to implement best practices in early education through establishing e-book nooks in five Head Start classrooms, equipped with touchscreen computers, e-book subscriptions, and seating for small-group reading sessions. Teachers redesigned their classrooms based on recommendations to refine the e-book nook setup and create engaging literacy environments for students.

1. Akron Ready Steps
Overview of the e-Book
Nook
February, 2011

2. What
is
Akron
Ready
Steps?
• The
University
of
Akron
and
ASCA
have
been
awarded
federal
funding
to
train
Head
Start
teachers
for
a
strong
preschool
program
in
language
and
literacy.
• The
purpose
is
to
help
all
of
our
children
get
ready
for
school.

3. ARS
Goals
• Best
pracAce
• EssenAal
early
literacy
skills
• Knowledgeable
educators
• 21
century
learning
environments
• Engaged
parents
and
communiAes

4. ARS
Sites
• Five
Points
I
• Arlington
• Robinson
CLC
• Cedar

5. E-­‐Book
Nook
–
Ini<al
Design
• Teachers
were
given
design
specificaAons
asked
to
make
arrangements
for
the
e-­‐book
nook
in
their
classrooms.
Basic
Design
SpecificaAons
• Asus
EeeTop
ET2010PNT
Touchscreen
All-­‐in-­‐One
PC
• Apple
8
GB
iPod
Touch
• e-­‐Book
SubscripAon
• Clearly
located
in
classroom;
signage
• SeaAng
for
3
children
+
teacher
• Low
noise
level
• Access
to
wifi
+
power
outlets

6. ARS_C1

7. ARS_C2

8. ARS_C3

9. ARS_C4

10. E-­‐Book
Nook
–
Post
Feedback
Design
• Teachers
were
given
design
recommendaAons,
addiAonal
furnishings
and
asked
to
reconfigure
their
classroom
for
a
refined
e-­‐book
nook
design.

11. ARS_C1

12. ARS_C2

13. ARS_C3

14. ARS_C4

15. Visit
hYp://akronreadysteps.ning.com/
hYp://akronreadysteps.ning.com/