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Join the conversation
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The Explorer
Your library's blog for kids and their grown-ups!
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| Don't miss out!
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Find out what's happening @your Library before it happens!
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Greetings!
The 7th Annual Preschool & Child Care Fair was a smashing success! Forty schools, child care centers, enrichment classes, and agencies shared information about their programs with 130 parents and children. The Fair is my favorite event of the year -- I love to see so many early childhood professionals in one place! Now that it's over, what's next?
Read on to learn what's happening at the Library... |
| Digital Media Lab
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 Is there an important school event coming up that you'd like to commemorate on video and upload to your website? Would you like to mix a little tune to play in the classroom? Do you have a collection of old 35mm negatives that you would like to change into digital photos? These projects and more can be completed in the Library's new Digital Media Lab. It contains four new Apple desktop computers loaded with software that will enable Skokie Public Library cardholders to creatively express themselves. Digital cameras, Flip video camcorders, portable hard drives, and tripods are available for overnight checkout. Reservations to use the Lab may be made ahead of time, and librarians are available for assistance. If you're just beginning to explore computer technology and want to learn more, sign up for one of our Computer Classes, which are open to all users.
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| Programs for Kids
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Help spread the word about these special events for young children! Programs marked with * require advance registration. Sign up online or call the Youth Services Desk at 847.324.3149.
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Adventures in Fairyland *
Thursday, February 18 from 4:00 to 5:00pm
Fairytale and craft. For ages 4 to 7.
- Dr. Seuss Birthday Party *
March 1 from 6:30 to 7:30pm
Crafts and activities in celebration of Dr. Seuss's
birthday. For families with children ages 3 to 8.
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| Performances
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Skokie Public Library hosts a wide variety of exceptional performances and cultural events. Treat yourself to a concert, dance performance or play. Upcoming performances include the Young Steinway Concert Series, Deeva Dance Troupe, the Freetown Village Singers, and the one-woman play Flying Solo: The Remarkable Bessica Raiche. Visit the Library's online Schedule of Events for a complete listing of performances.
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Teacher's Toolbox
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Book Links: Newbery and Caldecott Medal Winners
 As many people look forward to the upcoming Academy Awards, I am still looking back and relishing the announcement of the oldest and most prestigious American Library Association Youth Media Awards. In 2009, I was privileged to serve on the Newbery Medal Selection Committee while Jan Watkins, Head of Youth Services, served on the Caldecott Medal Committee. We both read hundreds of books and spent dozens of hours discussing titles with our committee members. On Monday, January 18, 2010 the talented winners were announced: The Newbery Medal was awarded to Rebecca Stead for When You Reach Me, and the Caldecott Medal was given to Jerry Pinkney for The Lion and the Mouse. Four Newbery Honor books and two Caldecott Honor books were also awarded. Each of the Caldecott winners would make fine read-alouds in your preschool classroom.
Web Links: Starfall
 If your students are having trouble identifying their letters or letter sounds take a look at Starfall.com. Created by the founders of Blue Mountain Publishing, Starfall.com is a free public online service designed to motivate children to read with phonics. Children will enjoy clicking on the letters to hear their sounds, learning songs, letter blends, and sign language. More advanced children may work on sight words and vowel combinations. Older students are able to practice tongue twisters, learn riddles, experience classical music, and view electronic versions of easy reader books. It's fun, educational, effective, and FREE!
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| Holly's Helpful Hints
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 What are you doing to celebrate NAEYC's Week of the Young Child in April? Here at the Library we would love
to display children's artwork inspired by books! If you are interested
in having your preschool students' story-based artwork temporarily
displayed in the Youth Services Department, please contact me at 847.324.3117 or by email as soon as possible. Because space is limited, I'll be taking
reservations on a first come, first served basis.
Yours truly...
 Holly Jin Preschool Services Coordinator | |
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