Raising A Reader

Dealing with the Hard Stuff

2011-04-07T13:34:00.004-05:00

Parents are always looking for a storybook that helps deal with some of the unhappier issues that life brings to a family. THE GOODBYE CANCER GARDEN is a storybook that handles the issue of a young mother's cancer with forthrightness and optimism. It is winter when Mom finds out she has cancer, and after a trip to the doctor where the kids get to ask their questions, it is decided that while Mom is getting treatment they will plan a garden -- because the doctor has said that Mom's treatments will be done by pumpkin time. Mom's treatments progress after surgery, and the garden keeps growing.

The author of this book has struck the perfect balance of being truthful about what happens with a disease and telling an upbeat family story.

The Goodbye Cancer Garden

by Janna Matthies

E MAT

What Should We Do Today?

2011-03-08T16:20:00.005-06:00

Today's the day to come to the library!

First, grab a comfy chair and curl up to read a good story.

Next, check out the colorful bins that are tucked into the Parents' Corner -- you'll find just the right ingredients for a tea party, a construction marathon, a toddler concert, or a creative art project.

Now, grab a basket and fill it with great books to check out!

P.S. Don't leave without stopping by the doghouse and grabbing a calendar -- you don't want to miss the next great event at your library!

Math Literacy Begins at Home

2010-03-18T16:51:00.016-05:00

You can take the fear out of math by making sure it is just a part of everyday life at home. By engaging your child in everyday activities that are fun, you might be laying a foundation for a future in math or science. At the very least, you will be giving them a confidence that will make their way through school a little easier. Math does not need to be taught as a lesson. It can be discovered in storybooks or explored at the kitchen table. Preschoolers shouldn't be doing drills or being quizzed, they should just be experiencing an introduction to numbers and patterns found in familiar objects and activities.

Math-Multiplying Play
Source: Parent & Child at Scholastic.com
Six major math concepts that preschoolers can learn through play.
http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=644

Helping Your Child Learn Mathematics by U.S. Dept. of Education
Fun activities for preschoolers and up. Weighing, counting, walking, building, playacting and more.
http://www2.ed.gov/parents/academic/help/math/math.pdf

Early Math Matters: A Guide for Parents of Preschoolers
by the National Center for Learning Disabilities
Don't be put off by the fact that this is put out by the National Center for Learning Disabilities. This is an excellent article that lists early math activities for parents, teachers, homeschoolers. It does refer parents whose school-age children might be having difficulties to places they might receive educational screening.
http://tinyurl.com/mathmatters2

What to Expect at Preschool: Math
Source: Scholastic Parents at Scholastic.com
Math should be an everyday experience and this experience can start at home. Learn how children 2 & up learn numbers, geometry and spatial relations, measurement, patterns, and how to analyze data. (This sounds so scarey -- you are weighing pets, counting silverware, stringing beads and looking at polka dots!)
www.2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=1366

I'm Bored!!!

2010-02-10T08:19:00.027-06:00

Today is a sunny snow day and playtime outside is a priority. But what do you do when you are back inside and the winter crankies start up again?

Winter is the perfect time to build literacy skills -- whether you are playing inside or out. This month we'll show you some web sites that give you ideas for simple minute-to-minute activiites to keep your toddlers busy.( Of course, make one activity a stop at the library. Just picking out a few themed picture books will give you inspiration for all kinds of projects and discussions. Stop in at a storytime, AM or PM, and get the week rolling. Many parents say that their preschoolers "prepare" for next week's storytime theme by gathering up show and tells and talking about "what may happen." )

The Rainbow Resource Room has many activities for parents that use only what you have at home -- or nothing at all! My favorite winter outdoor idea is to take a "Silly Walk" that gets you counting. ( Take a walk with your child. Make up some silly steps to do together. Examples: Take two large steps and three tiny steps counting 1,2 - 1,2,3 - 1,2, etc., as you go.) You've just combined exercise with reading (patterning) and math practice -- and probably worked up an appetite for hot chocolate.

Preschool Playbook has got you covered with "Hot chocolate Anyone?" Here is what you need:
zipper sandwich bags
packaged hot chocolate mix
mini-marshmallows (or shapes)
stir sticks
optional: Hershey Kisses

Work with your preschooler assembling the ingredients for a couple bags to drink after playtime and a couple bags to share. Use large measuring cups or spoons to measure the mix -- let them do the measuring. Count the mini marshmallows and split them into equal piles. Fill bags in an assembly line (patterning again.)

Include the poem if you like:

Here's a little Snowman Soup
Complete with stirring stick.
Add hot water and sip it slow.
It's sure to do the trick.

Two of our favorite wintertime books at the library are The Hat and The Mitten by Jan Brett. Did you know Jan Brett has a website filled with coloring sheets and activities you can make at home? Read her Honey. . .Honey . . .Lion! and then go to the Honey. . .Honey . . .Lion! rythm band project to make some fun and noisy instruments. You don't have to worry if you don't have a printer -- draw and color your own patterns--then shake shake shake your crankies away. Are you stuck at home and can't get out to the library for new stories? You can make y0ur own. Pick out pictures from old magazines (cut these out when you are out of sight if you have a very young child who hasn't yet learned when it is OK and when it is not!) Lay them out on colorful paper and construct a story. Tell your own tale then ask your toddler for a different version. Or, start the tale and ask "What do you think happened then?" Just scramble the pictures for a new story tomorrow. (Laminate the pictures for a great short mealtime activity.)
Remember--Spring is just around the corner.

Things To Do With Dad

2009-05-08T13:08:00.001-05:00

By Chris Stevens
This book is brimming full with fun activities to do with Dad -- building forts, making tee shirts, creating carnival games, cooking up spooky food, holding a bad spelling bee. Full instructions for plenty of things to do, inside or outside, when the family is bored.

Also read: Things to Do With Mom by Alison Mahoney.

Cozy, Comfy, Winter Reading Activities

2009-01-10T16:17:00.004-06:00

This is the time of year that both parents and children feel trapped inside. Take advantage of more "together time" by participating in fun activities that also build pre-reading skills. A colorful quilt or tablecloth on the family room floor is a bright backdrop to set up an afternoon tea or luncheon. Make menu cards that have simple pictures and words (bread, apple, milk, purple jelly, cup.) Discuss the order in which your sandwiches were assembled and what your favorite meals are you have shared. Have your child help you make up a story about a fictional character (dog, princess, pirate, fireman) that has a funny experience while having lunch.

In an hour's time or less, you have worked on word identification, sequencing, narrative skills, and creative thinking. When you are done -- read a short story that involves food and then wrap up in the blanket and take a cozy nap.

Having fun? Stop at the library and check out our new Play n' Learn Spot.

Fall Into Good Reading Habits With Babies and Toddlers

2008-09-10T19:40:00.003-05:00

It always feels like Fall should really be the start of a new year. We slowly come out of our slump from the lazy days of summer play and feel energized by the crisp cool air. The stores full of bright new crayons and empty notebooks make all of us want to learn something new. What a great time to start new reading habits for the months to come. Make a Fall commitment to pick three times during the day that you can read or tell a story to your children.

Is breakfast hectic? Maybe while they are dawdling you can tease them with a story plot of a familiar book -- and promise to read it before bed.
Pack a few books for the park. Have a story and a snack before heading home.
Plan your trip to the library when you plan other outings. That way before and after you visit the pumpkin patch or apple orchard you can share some good tales that will start up lots of discussion about the event.
Pick a good series of books for bathtime -- the anticipation will be high and there will be no more bathtime fussing.

Now is also a great time to take advantage of cozy pj storytimes and new programs starting at the library. They might even let you play with those new crayons!

You're Never Too Young To Join Our Summer Reading Club

2008-05-20T12:37:00.000-05:00

Babies and Toddlers are welcome to "Get In The Game: READ" during summer reading at the library. All "prereaders" will join the Training Camp All-Stars, a speical team for children whose families will read aloud to them.

We have summer storytimes for toddlers, and lapsits scheduled for birth through 35 months.
We also have reading lists available, and plenty of staff to help you pick out board books or beginning stories.

Registration for "Get In The Game: Read" kicks off Monday, June 9, at 6:30 pm with a visit from children's author/illustrator Tom Lichtenheld. Tom is the author of "Everything I Know About Monsters," "Everything I Know About Cars," "What Are You So Grumpy About?" and more.

A special program "Babies, Children, & Books," just for parents of babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, will follow at 7:30 pm. Come and meet Dr. GLENDA ALLEN-JONES. Her research interests are family literacy, parent involvement, male involvement, and Head Start. Dr. Allen-Jones has presented trainings on early literacy, authentic assessment and parent involvement.

Early Literacy

2008-05-20T12:16:00.001-05:00

What is Early Literacy?
Early Literacy is not teaching your child to read. It is about everything your child needs to know about reading and writing before they learn to read or write. Early literacy skills begin to develop in the first five years of life. They start when the baby: "chews" on it's first board book, listens to you read the words to a favorite story, recognizes a letter of the alphabet, pretends to "read" a story back to you.

You can teach Early Literacy skills!
The best person to teach a baby or toddler is the parent or caregiver. All you need is the basic knowledge of a few important "literacy concepts", some ideas for how to teach these concepts in everyday settings, and a willingness to spend time having fun with your baby or toddler.

Early Literacy Skills

2008-05-19T22:31:00.000-05:00

To successfully begin to read, a child needs a variety of skills. These skills are the building blocks for learning to read and write. Children who have these skills before they go to school will benefit more from classroom instruction.

We will offer activities in each age range that you can easily do at home or on the go with your child. (See "Your Baby and Reading," "Your Toddler and Reading," "Your Very Busy Preschooler.") These activities will note which early literacy skill they focus on. A trip to the grocery store or a few minutes of interaction each day while cooking dinner can reap years of benefits. Also, be sure to check out "Reading Aloud." This is the single most important activity you can do that will introduce and reinforce literacy skills.

The American Library Association, along with many professional education institutions, focus on the following six skills:

Vocabulary
Knowing the names of things. Your child may know the name of 3,000 - 5,000 things before they enter school. Keep talking to your child. Practicing saying the name of all the things he comes across each day -- in books and in everyday situations.

Print Motivation
A child's interest in and enjoyment of books. A child with print motivation wants to handle books, select books, pretends to read, and loves being read to. Be the role model for your child by showing your own enjoyment in books. Keep them handy in special areas of the home. Always make reading together a fun and special experience.

Print Awareness
Print = words. Point out printed words everywhere you see them -- on signs, in the stores, in the books you are reading together. Knowing that words go from right to left on the page and from the top to the bottom is a valuable skill in beginning reading instruction.
Narrative Skills

Letter Knowledge
The knowledge that letters are different from each other and represent different sounds. Practice the sounds. Trace over beginning letters in books.

Phonological Awareness
The ability to hear and play with the sound in words. Practice by reading and making up rhyming words.

Narrative Skills
The ability to understand and retell stories. Have your child describe to you things he has been a part of -- a party, a trip to the park, swimming in the pool. Let your child retell a story to you that you have read aloud.

Reading Aloud

2008-05-19T22:18:00.000-05:00

Reading aloud to your child should be fun for both of you.

Pick a book that you like. Make sure it is one that lends itself to being read aloud -- not too many words per page, and the words should describe what is happening in the illustrations.
Do not finish a book that you both are not enjoying.
Put yourselves in a comfortable setting that does not have too many distractions.
Let your child help turn the pages.
Read with expression. Try tp change up the tone and volume while reading.
Read aloud every day.
Repeat books so your child learns to "read" to you and tell the story.
Ask questions about the story and characters. Listen to your child's answers.

Your Baby and Reading

2008-05-19T13:18:00.000-05:00

Babies are ready to learn. Their brain doubles in size during their first year of life. From the moment they hear their parent's voices they are starting to comprehend language. Parents, grandparents, and caregivers play an important role in helping the baby's development. A baby thrives on loving attention and physical touch. Holding the baby while reading to them creates stimulation in the brain.

Scientists have proven that exposure to colors, textures, words and songs have a lasting impact on brain development. Smelling, touching, and tasting are important right along with seeing and hearing. A child's brain does not develop equally during the growth years. Timing is critical for proper stimulation and growth, and the lack of stimulation has a lasting effect.

Hold your baby and create a bond with them that makes them feel happy and safe. Give them the pleasure of your voice in daily conversation about ordinary objects.

Read to your baby! Even before the words are understood your voice will give familiar comfort. Give cloth or board books to baby to hold and chew on. Point to objects in the book and name them. Change the tone and level of your voice as you read. Ask the baby questions "Do you see the bunny?" and for now provide the answers "There he is!"

Don't try to force reading. You can keep reading even when baby's interests wander. Or, you can quit and return again later in the day. Always make reading fun for both of you at every age!

Picking A Book For Baby --Babies love to look at babies and other items that look familiar. They like to hear you make sounds and read silly rhymes. They also like to touch things that are soft and fuzzy. Pick books with simple, bold, bright pictures.

Your Toddler and Reading

2008-05-19T12:26:00.000-05:00

It is hard to stop toddlers long enough to hold them in your lap! They have found their feet and are searching for their independence. They really do still want to spend time hearing your voice. Now, you may need to pick the times of day when they are ready to slow down a bit. (But don't wait for bedtime when they might be overtired.)

Find books that are as active as your toddler. Make the books "interactive" by asking your toddler questions and encouraging him to repeat phrases in the books. When you ask your toddler a question, give him some time (at least five seconds) to respond. This is truly the beginnings of many conversations you will have.

Don't pick books that have too many words. The story may be beautiful, but too complicated for your toddler. Read and reread favorite books. Pretty soon your child will be pointing out familiar pictures. Let your toddler have sturdy books that can take a beating. By now he will want to start turning the pages "just like you."

Picking A Book Your Toddler Will Like -- Have small books so they can be held easily. Pick short books that actively hold the toddler's interest. Pick a book about daily routines or familiar faces. Pick a book that has surprises -- sounds, hidden pictures under flaps.

Your Very Busy Preschooler

2008-05-19T11:33:00.000-05:00

Your preschooler is almost ready to read! And, if you have been reading aloud to them, they are anxious to try out new skills. Work with them on the early literacy skills listed on this site. Do activities that teach how to look from left-to-right on the page, and from top to bottom. Keep pointing out words on signs and in everyday life. Work daily, through play, at remembering letters and recognizing sounds.

Keep reading aloud to your preschooler. Pick out the books together (but know that rereading is still popular at this age.) Ask questions throughout the book -- "What do you think happens next?" Let your preschooler tell her own version of the book using the pictures. Then read the words to see if the stories are alike (your preschooler's might be more imaginative and creative.)

Do activities that go along with the book. Make a craft or draw a picture that retells the story. Keep pointing out the letters as you read (but don't interrupt a good tale.) Use your finger along the bottoms of words so that they continue to be aware of print vs. meaning. Find some good repeating books so the two of you can shout the rhyming choruses together. Let your preschooler read a book to you she has memorized.

What kind of books does your preschooler want to read? Preschoolers have a great sense of humor and love to laugh and be silly. They are ready for books that tell a story. It is a good time to read books about kids their age that show similarities and differences -- as well as teach about basic friendships they will start to have in school. They are ready to learn about everything -- so read about cars and animals and people in the community. Pick some books that teach counting and some that work on vocabulary (through work with letters or rhymes.)

Parent Stations at The Library

2008-05-18T21:21:00.000-05:00

Play & Learn Spots

At Park Forest Public Library we are working on setting up "Play & Learn Spots" throughout the Youth Services Department. These stations are meant as a brief break for parents and prereaders to stop and play. They're designed to be "discovered." Each fun station has posted notes about "how to play." Why? Because each station teaches valuable early literacy skills to your child (as well as inviting your creativity.) We've posted things to do at the station, things to talk about with your child, and ways you can keep learning through play at home.

Stop and check out:

“P is For Pig”
How to play:
“Where is the missing letter? ”
· Pick a picture of something you know.
· What letter is missing? Can we find it?
Talk about:
“What sound does the letter ____ make?
“What other words do we know that start with the letter _____?” “Do you know a word that rhymes with _______?”
What we're learning:
Letter Knowledge
Phonological Awareness
Practice the sounds.
Hear how words sound alike and different.
Keep on learning at home:
· Make your own flash cards with familiar objects and people.
· Play match games with rhyming words — for example, cat and hat and bat.

“Road to Reading”
How to play:
“Let’s roll our cars down the street.”
Parent Tips
· Start with showing how to “drive” your car from right to left on the straight horizontal road.
· Now, drive left to right on the curved road.
· Drive from top to bottom on the vertical road.
· Finally, roll your car across the “ABC Lane.” Stop on a letter and call it out.
What we’re learning:
Print Awareness
Learning that writing in English follows basic rules such as flowing from top-to-bottom and left- to-right. Pointing to the words on a printed page.
Keep on learning:
· Point to words from left to right on page when reading aloud.
· Draw pictures on a page and “read” them from top to bottom.
· Practice tapping out toy piano keys from left to right.

“Alphabet Soup”
How to play:
“Let’s make a bowl of alphabet soup. ”
· Reach into the “soup mix” and pull out some letters of the alphabet.
· “What letter is this? Let’s put it in the bowl.”
· “Let’s find another letter.”
Talk about:
“Do we know any words that start with ___?”
“Can you find a _____?” “Your name starts with ____.”
What we’re learning:
Letter Knowledge
The knowledge that letters are different from each other and represent different sounds. Practice the sounds.
Keep on learning at home:
· Point out letters at home on a cereal box, the cover of a magazine, in the picture books you read aloud.
· Prepare alphabet pasta or alphabet cereal —play with them.