Jumpstart’s “Read for the Record” brings together millions of adults and children around the world each year to read the same book on the same day in order to raise awareness of the critical importance of early literacy and access to high-quality books. This year’s “Read for the Record” will take place on October 29, 2020.
The book that everyone gets to read together is “Evelyn Del Rey Is Moving Away” written by Meg Medina and illustrated by Sonia Sánchez.
Evelyn Del Rey is Daniela’s best friend. They do everything together and even live in twin apartments across the street from each other: Daniela with her mami and hamster, and Evelyn with her mami, papi and cat. But not after today—not after Evelyn moves away. Until then, the girls play amid the moving boxes until it’s time to say goodbye, making promises to keep in touch, because they know that their friendship will always be special. The tenderness of Meg Medina’s beautifully written story about friendship and change is balanced by Sonia Sánchez’s colorful and vibrant depictions of the girls’ urban neighborhood.
Can’t get a copy of the library book? No problem! Jumpstart has provided English and Spanish versions of the eBook free online here!
Click here to view and print the family activity guide to extend your learning.
While we are doing lots of virtual story times, which are pretty awesome, I do miss in person story times! One of my favorite things to do during story time is to sing “Zoom Zoom Zoom” with our babies and toddlers. They absolutely love it! Usually we blast off to the moon in our rocket ships after this rhyme, but my awesome coworker has created new lyrics for our patrons who celebrate spooky season.
Zoom, Zoom, Zoom—Boo!
Zoom, zoom, zoom,
Climb onto my broom.
Zoom, zoom, zoom,
Climb onto my broom.
If you want to ride around,
to spook the people in the town.
Zoom, zoom, zoom,
Climb onto my broom.
In 5, 4, 3, 2, 1,
BOO!
Educating your children at home during the pandemic? Or, maybe you have been homeschooling for a while. Either way, it’s no secret that kids get bored, especially when it comes to learning and understanding math concepts. At the same time, many children experience math anxiety. Feeling incapable of doing or understanding math can undermine confidence, which can lead to the assumption that failure is inevitable, so why try?
Yet, a solid mathematics foundation is essential, for we use math every day: from managing money to preparing meals, from playing sports to playing music, and so on. According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children, “Math is part of children’s everyday lives. Taking advantage of each of these math moments develops math learning. When parents and teachers get excited about math, then children get excited about math.”
There are some great books coming out this fall! Let’s not waste any time on small talk—we’ll go straight to the good stuff.
Picture Books
“I Am Darn Tough” written by Licia Morelli and illustrated by Maine Diaz
This gorgeous book is about a girl running in a cross-country race. The watercolor illustrations and poetic first-person narration place the reader alongside the protagonist. The girl persists through weariness, self-doubt and a painful skinned knee, to cross the finish line with a realization that, “I am darn tough.” I spent about five years in martial arts as a kid, so this book really calls to me. It’s wonderful to see determination, discipline and perseverance celebrated like this. Continue reading “Brianna’s Books: October Favorites 2020”
There’s nothing I love more than to watch little ones dance. Babies doing the bottom bounce and preschoolers dancing with abandon brings me so much joy! And, of course, little ones love it too. The best thing about impromptu dance parties is that they can be done anywhere — in your house, in the car, in your backyard or at the park. As long as you’ve got some jams, you’re set.
If you want to make your dance party even more exciting, I have some simple ideas below that your little ones will love.
I love taking walks with my grandkids. We might see a squirrel or a rabbit. We might hear a bird. Trees provide shade; flowers provide color and smell.
Studies have shown it is good for kids and adults to connect with nature. According to The Child Mind Institute, spending time in nature reduces stress and fatigue. (Something we all need right now.) It promotes creativity and imagination. It allows one to use different senses—not just sight, but also sound, smell and touch. It gets kids moving. It makes them think. It teaches responsibility and builds confidence.
During these trying times, parents and educators are looking to the space nature provides as a resource for learning. There are many positive benefits to outdoor learning spaces, and getting a breath of fresh air can do wonders for mental clarity for both you and your kids.
Below, I have put together a list of great books the library has to offer on outdoor learning. Enjoy!
This book is filled with stories and colorful photographs that illustrate how the outdoors supports children’s early learning. Each story is connected to an early learning standard such as:
One of the easiest crafts to make at home is a paper bag puppet. All you need is a paper bag and a writing utensil! Take care that the mouth of the puppet is where the folded bag meets the side. Your puppet can be simple, with only a face, or you can decorate it with materials from around the house.
If you make more than one, your puppets can get into all sorts of fun together!
Some of our young patrons made these puppets. So cute!
September 15 to October 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month. Authorized in 1968 under President Lyndon Johnson as a week-long recognition of the contributions of Americans “who can trace their roots to Spain, Mexico, Central America, South American and the Spanish-speaking nations of the Caribbean,” the observance was expanded to a month under President Ronald Reagan in 1968. The month of September was chosen because it is significant in many Spanish-speaking countries. September 15 “marks the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.” Additionally, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence on September 16 and September 18, respectively.
I love being a grandparent. I engage in science experiments, create crafts, read and cook with my grandchildren. These are activities I enjoy and love to share. Authors Charles and Ann Morse said “A child needs a grandparent, anybody’s grandparent, to grow a little more securely into an unfamiliar world.” Older people, such as grandparents, can share so much with children—stories, life experiences, hobbies and more.
While we are doing lots of 
Educating your children at home during the pandemic? Or, maybe you have been homeschooling for a while. Either way, it’s no secret that kids get bored, especially when it comes to learning and understanding math concepts. At the same time, many children experience 
There are some great books coming out this fall! Let’s not waste any time on small talk—we’ll go straight to the good stuff.
There’s nothing I love more than to watch little ones dance. Babies doing the bottom bounce and preschoolers dancing with abandon brings me so much joy! And, of course, little ones love it too. The best thing about impromptu dance parties is that they can be done anywhere — in your house, in the car, in your backyard or at the park. As long as you’ve got some jams, you’re set.
I love taking walks with my grandkids. We might see a squirrel or a rabbit. We might hear a bird. Trees provide shade; flowers provide color and smell.
September 15 to October 15 is 