Welcome!

Welcome to the Fall 2008 edition of Parent Connection. Back-to-school season is a busy time of year, and this issue contains helpful resources. Be sure to visit the library and take advantage of our services this fall.

Featured Web Sites

Safe Living

The Home Safety Council offers valuable information for preventing home-related injuries. Learn how to create a safer home for your family.

Blog Corner

Parent Picks

The Cool Mom Picks blog features reports on products for children and parents. Mothers have tested and reviewed clothing, books, bedding, toiletries and more.

Featured Book

Your Child’s Strengths: Discover Them, Develop Them, Use Them by Jennifer Fox

This title encourages celebrating children’s strengths instead of trying to “fix” their weaknesses. Author Jennifer Fox teaches about different types of strengths. Learn how to develop your child’s strengths from infancy by checking out this book from the library. Look for it upstairs at the central library or in the adult nonfiction area at either of the branches under the number 372.21 FOX, J.

National Library Card Month

September is National Library Card Sign-up Month! If you are a Schaumburg Township resident and do not have a library card, visit the central library or Hanover Park or Hoffman Estates branches with two forms of current address verification and a valid ID. This is a good time to update your contact information too.

 

Survey Says

Publishers Weekly presented statistics from the Kids & Family Reading Report. Here are highlights by the numbers.

81% of parents rank reading among the top three important skills for children.

56% of children ages 15-17 believe that reading for fun is “extremely or very important.”

27% of children have visited a book or author Web site.

82% of parents wish their child engaged in more pleasure reading.

90% of children ages 5-17 believe that they “need to be a strong reader to get into a good college.”

Good Questions

Reading Today, from the International Reading Association, offers questions to ask after reading aloud with your child.

1) What did you notice in the book?

2) What is your favorite illustration? Why?

3) How is this character’s life like yours? How is it different?

4) What would you tell a friend about this book?

5) Did you like this book better than another book you read? Why?

Your Questions Answered

Question: Am I allowed to give my child a snack in the library?

Answer: Food is not allowed in the library for cleanliness and safety reasons. Obviously, food can accidentally damage materials if spilled. Also, some people have food allergies, and your child’s snack could provoke an allergic reaction in someone else. For example, many people have nut allergies, and dust can be airborne. Crawling children could choke on pieces of food that dropped on the floor.

You may eat on the benches in the central library vestibule. During nice weather, consider having a picnic lunch outdoors at Town Square. Please feed your child before coming to the library. We appreciate your cooperation in maintaining a clean and safe environment.

Safety in the Library

Safety is the primary concern of library staff when developing and enforcing rules. Keep these tips in mind to ensure an enjoyable visit.

1) Running and climbing on furniture is not allowed. Even though the library is a fun place, it is not a playground.

2) We occasionally limit program attendance because of fire code regulations for maximum capacity. We have an area to park strollers during programs. In the event of an emergency or drill, strollers cannot be blocking exits. Patrons exit the Youth Services Department through the northeast emergency door.

3) Children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by an adult caregiver 18 or older at all times. The library is a public place like Woodfield Mall, so it is important to be near your child.

4) Please form orderly lines to prevent accidents.

5) During programs children attend without parents, please remain in the Youth Services Department. It is a good idea to be near the door when the program is over so that your child finds you easily.

New Publication

Chicago Parent has a new magazine, Chicago Special Parent. The print version is available at the library and locations where Chicago Parent is already available. The publication’s goal is to connect families of children with special needs and provide excellent resources to parents. The electronic version of Chicago Special Parent provides direct links.

Homeschool Open House

Homeschooling families are invited to learn about library resources and services on Tuesday, Sept. 30 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. in the Youth Services Classroom. A brief tour and demonstration of electronic resources will be included. To register for this free program, email vheller@stdl.org or call (847) 923-3436 with your family name and the number attending.

Craft Corner

Each issue of Parent Connection features a simple project to make with common materials. Decorate your notebook for back-to-school season.

Materials:
Construction paper
Stencils
Sheets of white labels
Stickers
Markers or gel pens
Clear contact paper
Scissors
Double-stick tape

Process:
1) Cut a piece of construction paper to match the size of your notebook. Attach it with double-stick tape.

2) Decorate the construction paper with markers, gel pens and stickers. Trace stencils on other colors of construction paper, cut them out and attach them to the notebook cover with double-stick tape.

3) Cover the entire front of the notebook with clear contact paper.

This idea was adapted from Kaboose ™, an electronic newsletter with craft ideas and parenting tips.