April 2011
 Early Learning News 
Holiday closings...
The Library will be closed for Easter on Sunday, April 24
In this issue...
Free Workshop: Story Stretchers
Programs for Grown-Ups
Programs for Children
eBooks for Everyone
Teachers Toolbox
Holly's Helpful Hints
Please note...
Online registration for Library programs requires a current library card from Skokie Public Library or a registered card from your home library.

If you do not have a Skokie Public Library card or another card with current borrowing privileges, please call the contact number listed in the program description and a member of our staff will be happy to sign you up.
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Greetings!

Spring has sprung, and we have reason to celebrate! Both the Week of the Young Child and National Library Week are April 10 through 17. In honor of these two important celebrations, we are offering a number of programs for children, families, and adults--including a special teacher workshop.


Free Teacher Workshop

Story Stretchers: Book & Activity Swap

Monday, April 11 from 6:30 to 8:00pm

 

caterpillarWhat do you do to extend the enjoyment of stories beyond the reading of books? Do you have the children act out Three Billy Goats Gruff or make a collage after reading The Very Hungry Caterpillar? Bring your favorite children's book and an accompanying activity to share with fellow preschool teachers. You'll leave with dozens of literacy activities you can put into practice right away! A certificate of participation will be provided to each teacher who attends the whole program. Each participant will also be invited to take home one or two teacher resource books that have recently been withdrawn from the Library's collection. Registration is required and begins April 1. Sign up online or call the Youth Services Desk at 847.324.3149.

Programs for Grown-Ups
Here are just a few of the adult programs you may enjoy during National Library Week. For a complete listing of spring programs view our online Schedule of Events. Programs marked with an * require advance registration.

Skokie Spring Greening
April 10 from 10:00am to 4:00pm at Niles North High School
This new community green expo features recycling drop-off, family entertainment, educational workshops, the Bookmobile, and green products and services from local businesses. The event is being coordinated by the Village of Skokie, Skokie Public Library, Skokie Park District, School District 219, the Talking Farm, and the Skokie Chamber of Commerce.

Preserving Your Past *
April 13 from 7:00 to 8:30pm
Have old photos, slides, or negatives sitting in shoeboxes, collecting dust? Learn how to properly scan and digitize your old photos from freelance photographer Paul Berg. Paul will demonstrate techniques such as how to use flatbed and film scanners, correct flaws in your photos, and archive your images. Scanning and software applications will also be covered. Sign up online.

Family Album: Stories of the Characters of Our Lives
April 17 from 3:00 to 5:00pm
A storytelling concert for adults. Through humor, pathos, stories, and music, nationally touring storyteller and former librarian Beth Horner creates a performance that critics have called "Dynamite!" From the tale of her great-great grandfather's Civil War diary (The Silver Spurs) to an unforgettable and hysterically amusing conversation between her parents (Tabouli to Cremation), Beth draws from her own family and ancestral escapades while bringing her listeners into a world full of the characters and stories in their own lives. 
Programs for Children

Spring blooms remind us of sprouting children. That is why we focus on early literacy during the month of April. Please encourage your families to bring their children to the Library for these programs during Early Literacy Month. Programs marked with an * require advance registration.

 

Little Learners Activity Club
Foster a love of language and books in your little one during April, which is Early Literacy Month. Visit the Library during April to enjoy early learning activities with your child in our Preschool Area. All young children who register for Little Learners and visit the Library four times in April will receive a small prize.

 

Breakfast with Books: Richard Scarry
April 9 from 10:30 to 11:15am
Loved by many generations of children, Richard Scarry's books remain popular and even spawned the TV series, Busytown Mysteries. Join us for a breakfast snack and coffee for parents as we read books and have lots of fun! For ages 2 to 7. Registration is not required.

 

Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!
April 16 from 4:00 to 5:00pm
Based on Mo Willems' Caldecott-winning book, Emerald City Theatre brings us a highly interactive play for families. You'll be in the driver's seat as everybody's favorite pigeon asks to drive the bus, eat a hot dog, have a puppy, and stay up late. You'll decide what he can do. You've never met a pigeon like this before! Registration is not required. A limited number of free tickets will be available at 3:30pm.

 

rscarry
Busy, Busy Town Party *
April 30 from 10:30 to 11:30am
Celebrate Children's Day/Book Day (Dia de los ninos/Dia de los libros) in the Richard Scarry way! We'll turn the Youth Services Department into a busy town with crafts and activities that children can explore with your grown up. For families with children ages 2 through 6. Individual registration is required for all family members and begins April 1. Sign up online or call the Youth Services Desk at 847.324.3149.
eBooks for Everyone

There are so many ways for children to enjoy a good book! If you have a computer in your classroom, you may already be using animated, talking Tumblebooks to encourage a love of reading and learning in your students. Now the Library offers you access to additional early reading materials with your library card. World Book Online has recently released the Early World of Learning where your students can read stories, play games, and watch videos to learn important early childhood concepts such as numbers, shapes, colors, opposites, folktales, nursery rhymes, and songs. The children will enjoy hearing stories read aloud in English or Spanish, and you will have all four verses of "London Bridge" and printable alphabet worksheets at your fingertips!e-reader

 

If you'd like to get a feel for using a hand-held eReader yourself, you may checkout a Sony Reader with your Skokie Public Library card. The eReaders are loaded with bestselling adult books and check out for one week. If you already have an eReader, register for Making the Most of Your eReader on Monday, May 2 from 7:00 to 9:00pm. Whether you've got a NOOK, a Sony Reader, an iPad, or a smartphone, we'll show you how you can use the Library to check out eBooks for your eReader and how to find websites that offer free eBooks to download.

Teachers Toolbox
Book Links
My colleague, Louise, weeded out old library books that weren't circulating and came across some books that were too good to part with. Find these titles and more helpful resources in our Parent-Teacher Collection.

Web Links: Americans with Disabilities Act

April is also Autism Awareness Month. To help you understand your rights and responsibilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act, regional ADA Centers have gathered information in the form of Q&As, tip sheets, videos, and lesson plans.

Holly's Helpful Hints
Outside of the Library's resources, One More Story, Inc. is offering a week of complimentary access to their online picture books. One More Story allows readers to enjoy dozens of popular picture books by viewing a digital image of each two-page spread and listening to the story read aloud. Early readers can even read along as the text is highlighted below the book image. For a one-week free trial to this award winning and affordable website, send an email to freeweek@onemorestory.com.

Happy reading!
holly

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Holly Jin
Preschool Services Coordinator

  
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