Apply for Wee Build Program | Compendium

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News for Pennsyslvania Libraries

Apply for Wee Build Program

by | Aug 23, 2019 | Children's Services, Grants and Other Funding Opportunities, Resources of Interest, Rural and Small Libraries

Wee Build is for libraries that do not have the space or storage necessary to be eligible for the Block Party program and for libraries with the Block Party materials who would like the Wee Build materials to use for outreach and use by infants and toddlers.  It consists of 20 sets of building materials and manipulatives that encourage creativity and open play. A majority of the sets are appropriate for children under three and the others are for children over three due to smaller pieces that are a choking hazard.  Most of the sets come in clear boxes with snap on lids.

The purpose of the program is to provide materials that encourage young children individually, with other children, and their adults to play. Young children learn best when they are able to construct knowledge through meaningful play. With the materials provided children will build and experiment, manipulate objects, work with others, count and measure, talk about what they are building and building vocabulary; all activities that will help children to achieve the Pennsylvania Learning Standards for early childhood in not only STEM areas, but also in language and literacy development, physical development and social and emotional development . 

To be eligible to apply for this program a library must be willing to

  • Make at least two of the sets available in the children’s area all the hours the library is open
  • Use the materials during and after preschool storytimes
  • Use the materials as part of preschool outreach
  • Inform all staff about the program and its purpose
  • Find room to store the kits when not in use
  • Keep a photographic journal of the children’s work (does not have to include children’s pictures)
  • Publicize the program

The library will receive

Toddler Manipulative Library with eight crates
Manipulative Library with four crates
Three Billy Goats Gruff Problem-Solving kit
Toddler Bristle Builders
Play and Learn Puzzle Blocks
Tabletop Hardwood Blocks Set
Blocks and Blueprints Learning Center
Easy Twist Animal Builders
On the Farm Logic Puzzle
Magna Tiles Set 

To apply for a set, go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/weebuild

Deadline to apply is Friday, September 6.

If you have any questions please email Susan Pannebaker

Fax: 717-772-0044 | www.statelibrary.pa.gov