GLOBAL GIVE-A-BOOK NEWSLETTER Theme: Government
TEACHING YOUR CHILD GOVERNMENT:
Since this is an election year, it is a wonderful opportunity to teach your young one about government…
if we don’t fly off the handle ourselves!
We’ve seen debates, ads, town meetings, and some unique conventions. We have also seen much negativity. To raise successful adults in our democracy, children must be raised to have respect for our government. Even though some of us may be disgusted with a particular political party or a particular politician, as parents we must curb the urge to issue blanket statements that our children may take literally. “All politicians lie” or “they are all crooks” statements won’t help your child be successful in life.
To be successful, they must learn to be supportive of our democracy. Do we need to agree with all our laws? Of course not. But we do need to understand our duties as citizens, our laws, and how to change those that are unfair. I’ve listed some excellent books to start the family discussion about government—take their democratic ideals like respect, responsibility, and tolerance into your home.
These books will open the doors to teaching your children about voting in ways relative to their world. They will also inspire you, as the adult, to think of ways to teach your child about the power of voting. Is it possible to vote on a television movie choice or whether to have ice-cream or cookies? How about on the reward for completing chores? Every chance to vote tells your children that they have a place and opinion in your family society and that opinion is important. Those are the lessons that we want to follow them into adulthood.
Watch the news regularly with your child. If your particular broadcast is too graphic, consider Time for Kids. Exposure to the news not only sends the message that what is going on in the world is important, but it also connects the child to his or her community, country and world. Children with these connections will more easily understand the responsibilities and the duties citizens have. Part of those responsibilities is understanding and following the laws that work to ensure safety and fairness to all.
Whenever possible, take your child with you to conduct government business: to pay taxes or a traffic ticket, to apply for government aid or to pick up a legal paper. Unless your child is going to live on an island, help him or her be successful here in America.
Happy Reading!
Sylvia Hermosillo
Director of Content
QUOTE OF THE MONTH:
“Education is the most powerful weapon that you can use to change the world.”
-Nelson Mandela
BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:
Written by Doreen Cronin and illustrated by Betsy Lewin, is just delightful.
If you aren’t acquainted with Doreen Cronin’s books about Farmer Brown
and his rebellious farm animals, this is a great introduction to them. Your child will giggle with pleasure as Duck decides he is unhappy with his chores on the farm and decides to run for office. The story not only teaches about the democratic process but is also a lesson about gratitude.
(Ages 4-10)
Written by Paul Czajak and illustrated by Wendy Grieb,
is so beautifully illustrated. I would buy this book just for the fabulous art!
Besides the stunning art, this book has an important lesson: we can all make a difference when we follow our passion. The rhythmic flow of the story and the insight into how elections work make the book a fine choice for the home library. (Ages 4-10)
ASK A READING TEACHER
Dear Reading Teacher,
My eight-year-old son hates this distance learning his school is using. It was fun for a few days last spring, but he is no longer interested. He is not paying attention. I think he is daydreaming when he is supposed to be working. When will things get back to normal?
Sincerely, -Frustrated Mom
Dear Frustrated Mom,
It is a difficult time for everyone, but perhaps parents trying to engage their children are having the most difficulty. Please keep in mind that the purpose of virtual school is really all about keeping kids, families, and communities safe. We know our children will learn more effectively when they can return to a classroom, but until then, there are certain strategies to help your child.
First, keep in frequent contact with your child’s teachers. Let them know where the struggles are. Which type of activities were successful? Next, encourage movement. Offer snacks a few times a day; ask your child to coach you in a fitness program so you can march in place a few minutes or play follow the leader. Perhaps the exercise time might be a five-minute reward for finishing an assigned task.
Break down tasks into manageable pieces and use a checklist so your child has the satisfaction of checking the box when finished that task. Consider rearranging your learning space so that your child must stand during part of the day. Be flexible and good luck. We will get through this time with patience and love.
HAPPY READING!
-The Reading Teacher
UPCOMING PROGRAMS
Thank A #HOMETOWNHERO
GGAB Director of Curriculum, Jordan Oliver, is the published author of Drafted. She is also co-founder of TBC Co. In an effort to spread love and support for our hometown heroes, GGAB is excited to announce a partnership with TBC.
We will be giving copies of Drafted to our heroes: police officers, firefighters, and military personnel. Subscribe to GGAB newsletter and see us in action.
OCTOBER CHALLENGES:
Kids Challenge: Fill out the pages at the link below. Submit them to us for a chance to win a $20 gift card to Barnes and Nobel! Pages are organized by age group. Complete, snap, tag, POST! TAG:
@globalgiveabook
&
on Instagram or Facebook to officially enter your submission!
You can also email us!
globalgiveabook@gmail.com
Click HERE to download kinder through 1st!
Parent Challenge: Whenever possible, take your child with you to conduct government business: to pay taxes or a traffic ticket, to apply for government aid or to pick up a legal paper.
SEPTEMBER "Thank a #hometownhero" CHALLENGE WINNERS: Austin & Timothy!
STAFF SPOTLIGHT: SYLVIA HERMOSILLO
GGAB Director of Content
Director of Content, Sylvia Hermosillo, has been an educator for more than 30 years; she considers teaching a calling and the most important profession in the world.
Sylvia has taught every age from five to 80. She has taught literature, writing, and reading to struggling students and to gifted students. As a reading specialist, Sylvia believes the greatest gift we can give our children is the love of reading.
NOVEMBER TEASER
November is Technology month! Does your daughter’s school actively encourage girls to engage with technology? How much technology is too much? In the technological world of tomorrow, are we limiting our child’s potential if we curb his screen time today? We’ll tackle these and other questions about technology in our November edition.