The Power of Play

Guest: Mary Eldredge, Early Childhood Librarian, Arlington ISD

Mary Eldredge, an early childhood librarian at Arlington ISD, talks about her journey from teaching early childhood special education to running one of the most joyful library programs around. She shares how her ECSE background shapes her inclusive approach to storytime, why play is the foundation of real learning, and the magic of a makerspace where teachers are the ones asking questions. Mary also opens up about the "1,000 Books Before Kindergarten" program and the striking research behind why reading aloud, even just a few minutes a night, can change a child's academic trajectory.