Educational TV: Does it exist?

Many children’s TV shows claim they are “educational.” A show can claim it is educational, but what is it teaching? A large percentage of children’s shows (and apps) claim they are educational yet have no reason to back that claim. It is normal to worry that watching TV will harm your child. On the other hand, many parents use the TV as an “electronic babysitter.” I am going to present research about shows that have shown to be educational to help parents make decisions about TV use.

Guest Post: Reading to your Children

We all can remember those special times when a story was read to us, whether at home by somebody we love, at school, or maybe at the library. The story came to life, and we were enthralled with the words. The magic of story reading is a powerful tool.

At least 55% of Utah's parents read to their children ages 0-5 everyday compared to 47.9% of the nation, according to a survey conducted by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention National Center of Health Statistics.

5 Important Stages of Literacy

Sometimes kids think that they do not know how to read or write because of their age. However, we know that children are building their literacy skills from the time they are in the womb and it is our job to help them work on these skills.

The first literacy skill children use is Listening.

Attendance Adds Up

One in ten kindergarten and first grade students are chronically absent, meaning they miss 18 or more school days. Missing just a few day each month can quickly add up to a potential problem.

September marks Attendance Awareness Month, a national initiative to promote the important role school attendance plays in a student's academic success. While missing a few days here and there may seem innocent, these instances can develop into habits that can have an effect on your child’s education.

Inexpensive Summer Activity: Giant Letters!

Summer is here! Kids are excited to have time off from school and parents are stressed about how to keep their kids engaged and learning through the summer - without lots of screen time! This idea from Constantly Lovestruck is a great activity for kids of all ages that can be used inside or outside - even adults can join in on the fun!

Guest Post: Read 1000 Books Before Kindergarten!

Many libraries around the United States are implementing a program called 1000 Books Before Kindergarten. This program encourages parents and caregivers to establish a habit of reading to their kids from birth.

We know that reading with children helps them develop an early and enduring love of reading and learning. Many studies have shown that reading with children from an early age helps them be successful in school. The early years are essential, as a child’s brain develops more during the first three years of life than at any other time.

MORE BOOKS for just a LITTLE

Summer is a great time to read! Here is some ideas on how to aquire

MORE BOOKS for just a LITTLE

It's great to go to the public library for books, but you may ask yourself, how can I increase my home library?  Here are a few ideas to consider:

Yard Sales:  This is a great way to get gently used books for a bargain price.  I'm a big yard-saler, and I see books at almost every one I go to.  For kids books, make sure you flip through the pages and check for torn, missing or colored-on pages (it happens!).

Thrift Stores:  Most thrift stores, such as Desert Industries and Savers, have a good supply of books for sale.  So many that you can even be choosy!  For kids, I would suggest getting hardback or board books, they just hold up a lot better.

Public Libraries:  Your local library probably has a book cart/shelf with books for sale.  These are usually discarded items that may have issues, so check carefully.  The Provo City Library will have their next Book Sale on Sept. 2, 2015.  www.provolibrary.com/library-book-sale

School Libraries:  Periodically the school libraries will "clean out" their inventory and give away or sell their excess books.  Ask your school librarian when the next time is they will do this.

Birthday Gifts:  Books make a great gift for anyone at any age!  Start giving your child a book each birthday to help build their own collection.  Also, when grandparents or relatives are asking for gift ideas, simply say, "Books!"

BYU Bookstore:  The BYU Bookstore has several sections of books on clearance.  On top of that, if you go from late November to late December, you can get 20% off your total purchase.  Just in time for Christmas!

Seagull Book:  The Seagull Bookstores found throughout Utah County have a bargain book table somewhere in the store (usually in the back) with great deals on books for all ages.

With just a little bit of effort and not a lot of money, you can increase the books available in your home, and hopefully the amount of reading in your home.  Good luck and happy reading!

Ready, Set, Read!

Summer. This one simple word often has the ability to bring joy to people young and old. For children especially, summer brings the promise of freedom, fun and adventure. While parents enjoy summer as well, it can sometimes be accompanied by thoughts, "how do I keep my kids busy for three longs months!?" and "what will I do to keep them from forgetting everything they've learned this past school year?"

With summer at our doorstep and these questions on our mind, I wanted to share one of my favorite summer activities growing up. The library's summer reading program! Now you may remember this from when you were young and hopefully you've already taken part with your child. The more Help Me Grow works with local libraries the more I realize that these awesome programs have changed a lot from when I was young and have more to offer than ever before. Here are three things to look forward to:

1. Summer reading programs aren't just for kids. Libraries have always encouraged parents to make reading a family affair, and participating in a summer reading program will help you do just that! Libraries across the state offer different summer reading programs for children, teens, and adults. Some have even developed a toddler programs. This summer encourage everyone in your family, including yourself, to sign up!

2. Not all programs are just about reading. Some libraries have expanded their summer reading programs to include other activities as well. For example Salt Lake City Libraries have come up with a Super Summer Challenge. Not only do families read as part of the challenge, they can also accomplish other goals to better themselves and their community. Even if your library hasn't expanded their summer reading program, they usually have other fun events and opportunities available throughout the summer. 

3. There are great rewards! Yes, many of the libraries are offering incentives for following the summer reading program, but that's not the reward I'm referring to. Reading together is one of the best things you can do for the development of a child and yourself! The National Education Association has said that "children who are read to, and who read for pleasure, are significantly more successful in school than children who do not." Reading improves brain development, communication skills, school performance, and so much more. 

Summer Reading Programs are starting soon so check out your local library today and get your entire family signed up today! You can find the library nearest you by clicking here. You can also find more reading resources by visiting utahkidsreadytoread.org

Oh the Places You'll Go!

Since this week is Dr. Seuss’ birthday, I thought it would be appropriate to start off with one of his quotes:

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“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.”              – Dr. Seuss

I love to read! Growing up, I remember my mom taking my sisters and I to the library every week. When I was really little, I’d bring home huge stacks of picture books with simple stories. As I got older, I’d make space in my backpack for 10 novels of many different genres (that was as many as the library would let you check out at a time).

When we got home, I’d snuggle into my favorite corner to read for hours. I’d visit places all over the world, learn about the people of various periods in history, and solve challenging mysteries. I learned new vocabulary, observed challenging interactions between characters, and stretched my imagination as I experienced each new world.

As a result, school became easier for me, my relationships with family and friends were enhanced, and my communication skills and vocabulary were always more advanced than they were expected to be. Now, my taste in books has changed somewhat, and I don’t find as much time to read as I’d like, but the difference that a love of reading has had on my life is incredible.

To gain a love of reading later in life, and thus be able to benefit from reading, it is crucial that parents read to their young children. Why should you read with your kids? Jim Trelease, author of The New York Times bestseller, “The Read-Aloud Handbook”, says that “words are the primary building blocks for learning and there are only two efficient ways to get words into the brain: either through the eye or through the ear....the last 30 years of reading research confirms this simple formula: students who read the most, read the best, achieve the most, and stay in school the longest”.

 This March, KUED celebrates 22 years of encouraging reading in Utah, in partnership with schools, libraries, and museums across the state.

KUED recently kicked off its 22nd Reading Marathon which runs from March 1st through the 31st.  Children from Pre-K to 6th Grade are encouraged to participate, and read at least 20 minutes a day. Reading logs can also be downloaded or printed from kued.org/reading.

“We encourage parents to spend time reading with their kids, and log their reading minutes for an invitation to the 22nd Annual Super Reader party in April,” says KUED Education Coordinator Elise Peterson.  “Our theme this year is STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. To see pictures from previous years, visit our Facebook page at facebook.com/kuedkids.”

“For over 50 years KUED and PBS have been a friendly and trusted face in your home and we hope to build on that relationship with new resources, information, and events for your family that engage, educate, and entertain,” says Peterson.  

Find out more at kued.org/reading and visit the KUED Kids Facebookpage, for information about events, programs, and ideas for families. 

So, what are you waiting for!?

"You're never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read to a child."           – Dr. Seuss

Wide Open Library Doors in Utah County

Wake up.

Cheerios soon cover the floor.

Puzzle pieces add to the spread.

Load up in the van for a mad dash to the store for diapers.

Ham and cheese sandwich for lunch.

Flip through the same pages you did yesterday, and the day before that.

Finally he is napping and you attempt the marathon of your to-do list.

Fold laundry "together."

Dinner quickly comes and goes.

The family game night quickly turns to wreckage.

Bathes, bubbles and down for bed.

Repeat.

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No one will argue that parenting is the most important work that a parent can do but the day-to-day parts of parenting can easily become mundane and repetitious. 

If there was just something that allowed you and yours to get out of the house every now and again to do something new that you both enjoyed with real people who eat ham and cheese sandwiches as often as you do!

   Utah has done just that. Local libraries all over Utah allocate large sums of funding, volunteers and hours to provide children and their families with activities that encourage early literacy, social skills, community interaction, parent-child relationships, and creativity. These resources are available to any parent who simply walks through their local library doors.

   In the Utah County area alone there are more than 15 city libraries, each with their own children's programs. A simple internet search can connect parents with a long list of activities for their children to attend on nearly any given day day of the week! 

   This month at the local Provo library just around the corner from our United Way office there are endless engaging children's activities just waiting to be attended! Those activities will be listed here but if you live somewhere outside of the Provo area don't hesitate to find your local library by following this link & searching with your ZIP code. 

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At the Provo City Library each week their Kid's Program hosts:

• Book Babies. Every Friday at 10:00 am for children ages 0-12 months. This hour has age-appropriate stories, songs and finger-plays for babies and their caregivers.
• Spanish Story Time. Every Monday at 6:30 pm & Friday at 10:30 am. Music, stories and crafts for Spanish speaking children and their caregivers.
• Early Literacy Parent & Child Workshops. Every Monday at 10:00 am for children ages 2-3 years. This hour has hands-on activities that encourage literacy and reading readiness. Pre-registration is necessary, and can be completed here.
• Library Kids Jr. & Sr. Every Thursday from 4:15 pm-5:00 pm for children ages 5-8 years (Library Kids Jr.) and 8-12 years (Library Kids Sr.). Exciting book and literacy based crafts and activities, pre-register your child for Library Kids Jr. here and for Library Kids Sr. here. 
• Toddler Time. Every Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday at 10:15 am and Friday at 11:15 am. For children ages 1-2 years old and their caregivers with lots of fun through story time, songs and finger play.
• Preschool Time. Every Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday at 10:00 am and 11:00 am for children ages 3-5 years old and able to separate from their caregivers. Prepares children for school readiness through social interactions with stories, finger plays and songs.

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As well as these weekly activities there are also regular monthly activities:

• Mother-Daughter Book Club on the last Tuesday of each month at 7:00 pm for girls ages 9-12 years old and their mothers. At this event, discussion of an assigned popular chapter book is followed by a craft and light refreshment. If interested, pre-register here.
• Mother-Son Book Cub on the last Wednesday of the month at 7:00 pm for boys ages 9-12 years old and their mothers. At this event, discussion of an assigned popular chapter book is followed by a craft and light refreshment. If interested, pre-register here.
• On the firt Saturday of each month there is Special Needs Story Time for children ages 5-8 years old who have special needs. Story and presentation cater to the needs of children with autism who respond best to low sound and soft light. Pre-register by calling the Children's Desk at (801) 852-6682. 

This list of events is just the beginning, there are also a myriad of teen and adults events hosted each month! To stay up-to-date on all of these events, follow this events calendar.

So many in our community do so much to try to ease the parent's heavy load of caring for and teaching their children. The local libraries here in Utah County are some of those places and are waiting with open doors for the community's families to walk in and learn together.

Bedtime Stories: Healing Relationships in Our Home

Rough Day

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It was a long day. You know the kind. The to-do list was unmanageable to begin with and somehow grew as the hours passed. My youngest two had been bickering from the get-go. “He took my rhino costume!” “He won’t stop singing!” “I was gonna be the blue ninja first!” I had had it. They had had it. Thankfully it was getting dark outside- bedtime was fast approaching. We put on P.J.’s, brushed teeth and said prayers. I told them to go upstairs and go to sleep. My four year old said what he always says at bedtime, “I can never sleep without bedtime stories” in his sweetest, most imploring voice. (Not at all like the voice I heard just moments before as he yelled at his brother for using the toothpaste first).

Books and the Brother Bond

I didn’t want to read stories. I wanted to clean up from dinner, write a paper for class, help my daughter with her homework, persuade the older boys to get in the shower, or any number of other things. Then it dawned on me: my first grader can read now. Relieved, I told him he should read to his brother tonight. Surprisingly, they both turned around, heads and shoulders drooping, and trudged upstairs. As I loaded the dishes and wiped the food from the counters I thought of articles about how important it is to read to your child (articles like this and this) valuable articles from Reading Is Fundamental, for example, that scientifically prove the merits of reading for a young child’s development of language and literacy. I thought about what a privilege it is to end the day in quiet, tender moments sharing books. Was I really so busy I couldn't spare ten minutes to read to my babies? Was I really that tired? Reading is not something I have to do but something I get to do as a parent. I made my way upstairs to find this:

  

I caught my breath as a single tear released the day’s stress. Of all the benefits of reading to my children, perhaps the most important is what it does to strengthen our bond. Books and language connect us. As we draw our children close and share a story, the hard moments melt away. We can make story time a healing time. It is an opportunity to set all else aside and say to our children “You matter more than all that other stuff I have to do.” I was delighted to realize that the magic of story time was working on their relationship too. No more arguments, no grudges, all was forgotten in the joy of the bedtime story.  

Worth Every Word

The beauty of parenting is in the contrasts. This moment could never have been so precious were it not for the difficult day. I live for these moments. I seek them out and try to remind myself when I find them that this is what it is all for. In the midst of the parenting chaos, genuine connection matters most. And every story is important.