Becoming a reader is one of the most exciting learning adventures your child will ever experience. Many children need little more than exposure to books and they’re off on their own. But others need guided support as they struggle with sounds, fluency, and reading unfamiliar words. Reading is a complex process, but it’s vitally important to all learning. You’ll want to help your child build skills step-by-step and maintain a high degree of enthusiasm and confidence along the way. When a child is overwhelmed by the pace of new vocabulary or the expectation to ‘read faster,’ there is a higher likelihood of discouragement.
What comes to mind when you think of the library? Maybe you get a nostalgic feeling for the smell of lots and lots of books. Or maybe you remember going to story time with your kids. Maybe you even think of signing up for summer reading programs. You can still find all of those things at libraries. But most have also adapted for a digital world and may now offer everything from homework help, to career services, to author events, and musical programs. Some even let you use 3D printers. Your library doesn’t have to be large to offer expanded services, as small libraries often have access to bigger collections and online services that extend what they provide in branches.
When you were little, along with all the great kids’ books, did your community library have a full-size fire truck where you could play with the lights, test the siren, and take in story times with a real-life firefighter? (Visit calgarylibrary.ca for details on The New Adventures of Engine 23!)
Most of us recall our school days with a mixture of nostalgia and hazy memories. It was a long time ago. We knew bullies and probably had some run-ins with them over the years. In every era there are those children, both boys and girls, who engage in bullying behaviors. Parents walk a fine line when helping their children to deal with bullying behaviors.
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