The Franklin Institute

The Franklin Institute will develop a pre-K version of a program that integrates children’s literature and hands-on science activities and promotes student and family engagement in science and literacy. LEAP PreK will be piloted in 10 sites including public libraries, science museums, children’s museums, school districts, afterschool providers, and public television, all of which demonstrate access to underserved populations. Through a series of workshops, resources for children, science book lists, training resources, and a community of practice among the sites, LEAP PreK will work with educators to increase interest and engagement in science and literacy learning, understanding of how science inquiry and reading strategies support one another, proficiency and confidence in integrating reading and informal science for early learners, and awareness of how literature can be used to elevate pre-K learning. The children involved and their parents/caregivers will gain increased engagement in reading and science learning at home and in the community.