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Spring Greetings
 Welcome to the Spring 2007 edition of Parent Connection! The Youth Services Department is excited about presenting the third issue of our quarterly parenting newsletter. If you are viewing Parent Connection from the Internet and would like to be added to the e-mail list, please e-mail parentconnection@stdl.org.To view previous versions, visit our homepage at http://www.stdl.org, click on “Site Search” on the top far right and type “Parent Connection” in the search box. You may view the Fall 2006 and Winter 2007 publications. This issue begins with featured Web sites and ends with a tasty craft idea. Watch for our summer issue coming soon!
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Featured Web Sites
Internet Safety
This site from the Enoch Pratt Free Library offers Internet safety tips for parents and children. Learn where to place a computer in the home and guidelines for releasing personal information.Cold or Flu?
During the season of illness, it is difficult to determine the difference between the “common cold” and the more serious flu. Learn more about influenza here. Standardized Test Performance
Parents sometimes wonder why their bright child scores low on standardized tests. A variety of factors could be the cause, including disinterest, test anxiety, poor test-taking skills or not being focused on test day. As a parent, discussing standardized test results with your child’s teacher is an excellent step of involvement. Start with asking good questions, such as how your child compares to others in the class and school. Remember that standardized tests give a common measure of student performance. The Family Education site offers articles, advice and preparation ideas.
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Doctor Visits
 Developing a good relationship with your child’s doctor starts at birth. Trust and clear communication are critical. Make a list of questions before visiting the doctor for a regular well visit. Do not be shy. The pediatrician’s goal is to ensure that your child is growing healthy and address any concerns. A typical visit will include: 1) Measurements of the child’s height, weight and head circumference; 2) Questions tracking development regarding sleep, diet and communication patterns; 3) A complete physical exam; 4) Tests on blood, hearing and vision if necessary; 5) Immunizations to protect your child from life-threatening diseases.
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Encourage Learning
 The early years of a child’s life are important. By the time a child is five, the brain is 90% developed. This nurturing shapes behavior for life. Here are five simple ways to encourage learning. For more tips and information, visit Foundations for Early Learning.
1) Be warm, loving and responsive. 2) Respond to your child’s cues and clues. 3) Talk, read and sing to your child. 4) Establish routines. 5) Encourage safe exploration and play.
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Single Parent Publication
 The Single Edge is a publication for the busy single parent. Relevant articles and activity ideas are offered. The library has the current edition of The Single Edge in the Youth Services Department.
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Raise a Reader!
 By encouraging your child to read, you are helping to ensure success at school. Here are some practical guidelines for cultivating a warm environment towards books in your home.
1) Read daily to your children, even newborns. 2) Read together even after your child learns to read since older children enjoy listening to others read. 3) Make stories come alive by using different voices and animated tones. 4) Visit the library often, and check out a variety of books. Even babies may obtain library cards! 5) Be a role model by reading on your own.
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Your Questions Answered
 Question: What library program would prepare my five-year-old for kindergarten in the fall?
Answer: Preschool Storytime is designed for children ages 3-5 to attend without an adult. This is an excellent way for your child to get used to attending a class without you. Children participate in songs, stories and activities while adults wait in the Youth Services Department. Another choice is Folk and Fairy Tales. This program is intended to support the process of literacy for patrons ages 4-6. It focuses on traditional folk and fairy tales and involves books with more complex plots, songs, longer flannel board stories and a simple craft. Your child should be comfortable in the room with other children and without you. The activities and interaction with other children will be excellent preparation for kindergarten. These programs do not require registration. The library offers a variety of drop-in Storytime programs for children through age 6. Our News & Programs brochure lists the current schedule.
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Homeschool Inventory
 Does your family home school? We want to know! We are taking an inventory of homeschoolers in Schaumburg Township. The Youth Services Department will promote its services to homeschoolers in time for the 2007-2008 school year. If you would like information on our programs and resources, fill out the form at the Youth Services Reference Desk, or email parentconnection@stdl.org with your name, library card number, number of children ages infant-14 and number of children 15 and up.
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Lexile Explained
 What is Lexile? What is the Lexile level of a book? Parents often have questions about Lexile; it is a frequent request at our Reference Desk. The Lexile Framework for Reading matches reader ability and text difficulty. Appropriate reading materials may be selected according to a child’s range, determined by testing. Several factors such as vocabulary, words on a page and length are considered when calculating the Lexile of a book. For example, a teacher might recommend that a child read at a Lexile of 900-1,000. This helps ensure that the child is being challenged and growing as a reader.
The Lexile Framework for Reading site allows parents to find appropriate reading materials for children. The Youth Services Reference Desk welcomes your questions.
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Summer Activities
 It is not too early to plan your child’s involvement in summer programs. Several excellent day camps, classes and special events are offered in the community. Watch for information in the mail, or inquire at the Youth Services Reference Desk. Chicago Parent and Oaklee’s Guide also list summer camps. These free publications are available at the library.
Here are some valuable online resources: 1) Harper College presents "In Zone Sports and Enrichment Camps". 2) View programs presented by the Schaumburg Park District and Hoffman Estates Park District. 3) The library’s summer programs will be advertised in the June/July News & Programs brochure. Current offerings are listed on our homepage.
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Craft Corner
 Each issue of Parent Connection features a craft to make with simple supplies. This time, make an edible penguin from cookies and candy. The sandwich cookie filling serves as the “glue”.
Ingredients: Oreo cookies ("Double Stuf" is recommended.) Candy corn Hershey’s Kisses Procedure: Each penguin needs one cookie, two pieces of candy corn and one Hershey’s Kiss. Gently remove the top from the Oreo cookie. The bottom should remain with the icing. Press an unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss at the top for the head. Set two pieces of candy corn at the bottom as feet. Break pieces of the removed cookie top for wings, and press these onto the icing. Enjoy your tasty penguin snack! This idea was adapted from a children's craft Web site.
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