Back to School
The Public LIbrary: What All Does It Have To Offer?
May 12, 2009
There are only six weeks left of school for my kindergartner, and the end of the year paper work has begun to make its appearance in his backpack. A recent letter home from the principal listed summer information and resources. What jumped off the page to me was that, on average, children loose two grades in terms of their reading skills during the summer.. Which essentially means that my reading-at-an-almost-second-grade-level kindergartner would soon be reading as a (GASP) kindergartner.
We can't let that happen - so I see lots of trips to our library in our future to keep up interest in reading. And since we're used to simply using thelibrary to check out books, I figured we might need to take our library usage to the "next level" to ensure no loss (and, dare I say, INCREASE?) in skill level.
Summer reading challenges. Keep up your reading this summer by participating in one of the many summer reading challenges available at our local libraries.
Librarian approved web-links. The internet is so vast - so let the experts guide you in the right direction.
Story times. The value of reading to children is clear, but sometimes it's nice to have someone else do it for you! Check out your local branch's story times - it's a great way to meet new friends and expand your author knowledge.
Online resources. Looking for a hard to find book? Want to ensure a book will be available at your library branch? Most library systems allow you to reserve and hold books. This is a resource I use all the time - my kids and I enjoy searching online for books together. It's a great option for weeks that we have trouble making it to the library. I can just stop quickly in to pick up the books and my kids still get the books they want.
Ask a librarian! Got a preschooler who is interested in bugs? Your local librarian can help you navigate the racks of books to zero in on the best bug books to mesmerize your child - and maybe you, too.
So next time you head out to the library, remember there is more to the library then books. Well, it's mostly books, but the rest is pretty cool, too.
Read more...
Has your name come up on the preschool snack list yet?
September 12, 2008
Has your name come up on the calendar to bring preschool treats yet? It's one of those preschool parent responsibilities that can instill fear in even the most experienced parent. We know that good nutrition is crucial in so many ways, and that it can be critical to learning. Your preschool snack will help your preschooler and his or her classmates feel great, have energy and improve Read more...
Schools are back in session and so are indoor playgrounds.
September 08, 2008
There are some days when you pull EVERY SINGLE parenting trick out of your hat. Coloring. Play-doh. Puppets. Books. Cartwheels. But nothing holds their interest for long. And you've still got HOURS to fill before naptime. AGH. Your solution? Easy - hit the indoor playground nearest to you (or nearest to whatever is on your schedule!). "Just what is an indoor playground?" you ask. In Read more...
How to avoid the first week of preschool burnout.
September 05, 2008
Friday is finally here and that means two things; 1) the weekend is just around the corner, and 2) you made it through the first week of skill relatively unscathed (hopefully). This first weekend of the school year is a great time for resting and reconnecting, and here's some ideas to make sure that happens. Take cues from your preschooler - are they ready for a full weekend Read more...
First week of preschool easy macaroni and cheese.
September 03, 2008
Want an easy, yet healthy meal to get you through the first week of busy school schedules? Then this macaroni and cheese recipe is for you. Add some steamed broccoli on the side and you have a meal of champions. Or, at least you'll have happy preschoolers. Easy Macaroni and Cheese (serves 4) 8-9 ounces whole wheat macaroni noodles 3 cups milk (anything but fat-free, please) 1 teaspoon salt Read more...
Five ways to prepare (you and) your preschooler for their first day.
September 02, 2008
As of today, Tuesday, September 2 nd , I am proud to say that I am the parent of a preschooler AND a kindergartner. Hold me. My son, after two great years of preschool, is making the transition to a full-fledged public school student at our local elementary school. This is a time of change for my three year old daughter as well, as after (longingly) watching her older brother Read more...
History Lesson: Labor Day (plus Seattle Labor Day BONUS!).
September 01, 2008
The first Monday of September brings us the traditional end-of-the summer holiday, Labor Day. And while a long weekend, family barbecues and last minute school shopping (even for preschoolers!) is usually what we think about when looking forward to this holiday, do you know the history of Labor Day? The day originated in 1882 out of the New York City labor movement; the Central Labor Union Read more...
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