School holidays have just finished and all over town parents will be getting back into the swing of school routines for the fourth term. At Christchurch City Libraries you can find heaps of useful support for parents in important areas of your childrens’ lives – learning to read, fun learning activities and just generally having fun in a safe and relaxed environment. Teaching and empowering your kids to use the library on a regular basis costs nothing and gives them the key to a rich life long journey of learning and enjoyment. Start them at the very beginning with:
Books for Babies
This great project has been going for more than 10 years. A dedicated team of volunteers distributes about 5,000 Books for Babies packs each year to parents and babies through hospitals, midwives and the Homebirth Association. In the pack are Baby's world, a New Zealand black-and-white, high-contrast board book; a leaflet in English, Māori and Samoan explaining how important it is to share stories; a list of libraries in Christchurch and a library enrolment form. Find out more about the Books for Babies scheme.
Rona’s racing to get youngsters reading
Babies need to read to succeed – that’s the message Rona Fatuleai gives to new parents. The preschool outreach co-ordinator is on the go all the time getting books to parents and babies around Christchurch. She’s full of energy, and her enthusiasm for her subject shines through. Read all about Rona’s work with the libraries’ Preschool Outreach Programmes.
Helping your kids with school
Starting school is a major milestone in every child’s life and parents can do a lot to make sure the experience is a positive and enjoyable one. The library website has information on how to choose a school and activities at home that can prepare a child for reading and other literacy skills. Once school has started there are fun books to support maths learning and using the Dialogic Reading method. Find out more on our website.
Resources of the week
C
Ds, Super Glue, and Salsa: How Everyday Products Are Made: Series 3.
Ed. Mei Ling Rein. Detroit: U*X*L, 2003.
Provides coverage of household and high-interest products. Alphabetically arranged entries illuminate the secrets behind the manufacture of a product through the details of its history, including who invented it and why; how it was developed and how it works; how and from what it is made; how the product might be used in the future; and a list of books, periodicals, and websites that offer additional information.
Your library card number and PIN will give you access to this resource.
How Stuff Works
Have you ever wondered how the engine in your car works, or what gears do, or what makes the inside of your refrigerator cold? This website is a great place to learn how things work in the world around you. Did you know left-handers may be quicker thinkers than righties? How Stuff Works is good for science projects and answering those Why? questions kids are so good at coming up with. As an example, read about the world's biggest landfill - in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Read more about How Stuff Works.
Christchurch City Libraries has an outreach programme for parents of pre-schoolers. Our Pre-school Outreach Librarian is able to visit your parent group to enrol children as library members; share tips on reading to children and describe what we have to offer parents and children. If your group would like to contact the Pre-school Outreach Librarian to make a booking, please contact us.
Libraries across the country are celebrating with a record attempt next week - New Zealand's Biggest Storytime. Make sure you plan a visit to your local library to take part! It's part of the annual Library Week celebrations from October 15 to 21.
