More than 10,000 elementary students have officially received two FREE, brand-new books from READ USA Book Fairs! While we tend to prefer reading vs. mathematics, that’s more than 20,000 books making their way into the homes and imaginations of these budding young minds! Even we love this kind of math, too!
We are still just getting started!
As of today, READ USA Book Fairs have visited 24 Duval County Public Elementary Schools – with 78 schools remaining that we will visit almost daily between now and Friday, May 26. Volunteers are still needed for the coming weeks, so sign up for a tremendously rewarding experience today!
Yesterday, our team hosted Spring Park Elementary’s Book Fair, which was generously sponsored by the Delores Barr Weaver Legacy Fund. Needless to say, the joy and excitement were palpable as all 460+ students made their way through the book fair, shared their new titles with their friends, and kept teachers and volunteers bustling along as we helped them with the ‘final stamp of ownership’ – placing their names in their new books! Even Principal Davina Parker joined in the fun for a bit!
AGAIN! It’s not too late to register as a volunteer and select the school(s) you want to support.
Children’s Books for Earth Day: April 22
This Saturday, the world will celebrate Earth Day as we collectively raise awareness about our planet’s natural beauty and environment and commit to making our world a better place.
To celebrate Earth Day at home, the Jacksonville Public Library has provided a list of children’s books, many of which are available digitally and in print at local JPL branches.
Image provided by Jacksonville Public Library.
Check them out here! Also, if you have any recommendations, we’d love to hear them! Share your thoughts on our Facebook page.
Children’s Book: All Are Welcome, by Alexandra Penfold
Illustrated by Suzanne Kaufman
On April 23rd we celebrate World Book Day. World Book Day is all about celebrating the joy of reading and the power of books. It’s especially meant to encourage and develop a love of reading in children.
The beautiful picture book, All Are Welcome, is the perfect read aloud to share with your children on World Book Day. This story follows children through their school day activities and focuses on a simple message “All are welcome here!” This message is repeated showing that no matter their race, family make-up, clothes, religion, or ability, everyone belongs. All Are Welcome shows diversity and inclusion as a beautiful, happy normal. Children are encouraged to be who they are, and differences are celebrated. This story and the cheerful, vibrant illustrations capture the delight of children being together and the important message that each person matters.
Submitted by Kathi Hart, Tutoring Program Content Specialist
Parent Education Corner: Print Awareness – Letters, Words, and How Print Works
Something very special happens as we read aloud to our children. They are learning to enjoy and understand stories even before they can read their first word. Another important aspect of reading with children is they begin to see themselves as readers whether they are reading conventionally or not. For example, when reading The Three Little Pigs, your 3-year-old can “read” the story by looking at the pictures. While reading aloud, an important area of early reading behavior begins to take place with our preschoolers – print awareness.
Here are ways to help your child to develop this important early reading behavior:
- Help your child learn how to hold a book correctly.
- As you read books together, show your child that you are reading from front to back and from left to right. Let your child turn the pages.
- Emphasize as you read that you are reading the print, not the pictures.
- Explain that the story is over when you reach the last page (and something important happens).
- As your child helps in the kitchen, point out the names on the food boxes and cans and the ingredients as you read the recipe.
- Point out and read road signs and store signs as you travel in the car.
Submitted by Kathi Hart, Tutoring Program Content Specialist
Do you have any questions or ideas for the Parent Education Corner? Anything you’d like to learn? Let us know here!