The Raising A Reader Review | Fall 2011 Edition

Raising A Reader MA

www.raisingareaderma.org

Fall Newsletter 2011

Cesarina Gonzalez, Raising A Reader MA's Lowell Program Manager, recommends titles like Peter H. Reynolds' "The Dot" for school-age children.

Tips for Buying Books for Children

Well known for our goal of increasing home book sharing, staff at Raising A Reader MA are often asked "What books should I buy for my children, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren?"

Sara Pollock DeMedeiros, our Program Director, offers this advice "I recommend that people choose 1) books about topics that excite their children, 2) have great pictures and rhyming text- this allows children to fill in the blanks much more easily, and 3) books that parents won't mind reading over and over again. Repetition is great for children, so parents should prepare themselves!"

Pressed for specific titles Sara says, "I recommend Mo Willems books to friends. The Knuffle Bunny and Pigeon series are great!"

When asked for her favorites Lauren Butler, Regional Program Manager for Greater Boston Region 1, says "I'm a huge Rosemary Wells fan and one of my favorite series by her is Voyage to the Bunny Planet. Why? Well, because no matter how old you are it is a cozy sentiment that makes you smile. You can spice it up by adding all cozy things like chocolate and tea and a fluffy blanket."

Cesarina Gonzalez, Regional Program Manager for Lowell and herself a mother of three, says "For babies I recommend board books with shiny and textured materials. For toddlers I suggest books with bold pictures. Books with story lines that can be easily understood but still appeal and reveal more meaning as the child gets older. For school-age children, I love books like Peter H. Reynolds' The Dot and Ish; both books are sweet and simple and could lend themselves to great discussions and art projects."

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November is Massachusetts Family Literacy Month

"Parents are a child's first and most influential teachers. Family literacy stresses the word "family," as family members are essential in supporting learning at home, at school, and in the community."

So starts the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's official Family Literacy website. The site goes on to share ideas and resources parents and other family caregivers can use to create a home where raising a reader is easier.

Raising A Reader MA supports more than 8,000 parents every year develop or enhance their routines of sharing books together at home.

Raising A Reader MA invites you to join their staff at two celebrations of Family Literacy Month!

Boston Children's Museum and Target Present Family Literacy Night

When: Friday, November 4 from 6:00-8:30 PM

Where: Boston Children's Museum, 308 Congress Street, Boston

What: Story telling, family activities, take home resources

Cost: $1

Chelsea Reads

When: Saturday, November 5 from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Where: Chelsea Public Library, 569 Broadway

What: Story telling, family activities, backpacks and book giveaways (while supplies last)

Cost: Free!

Executive Director Donna DiFillippo (pictured on the right with Doug Flutie) is a 2011 Mass Champion for Literacy.

Donna DiFillippo named a Massachusetts Literacy Champion

"Donna DiFillippo's

commitment, leadership and tenacity helped me to understand that early literacy is critical to the foundation of so many other challenges facing our children and our country," says tech entrepreneur Steve Smith, in an October 20th press release issued by Raising A Reader MA.

This is among the many reasons Raising A Reader MA's Executive Director, Donna DiFillippo, was named one of ten Massachusetts Literacy Champions in 2011. Organized by the Massachusetts Literacy Foundation with support from Verizon, Massachusetts Literacy Champions receive $3,500 grants and other resources to support their program goals and personal professional development.

Photo credit: Stuart Miles

Holiday Shopping at Legacy Place Gets A Little Bit Easier with Raising A Reader MA

Donors who make a contribution of $50 or more to Raising A Reader MA now through December 31, 2011 will receive a complimentary VIP Member Card for Dedham's Legacy Place mall as our thank you. The card, which is not available for purchase, offers special benefits and discounts on restaurants, retailers and services. The VIP Member Card is transferable and may be given as a gift to someone on your holiday shopping list.

Supplies are limited! Head to our website to make a donation now. You may also call 617-292-BOOK (2665) to make a donation by phone.

Terms and conditions do apply. Please visit our website for details.

Thank you, Rodman Ride for Kids!

Abhi Josh and Adrian at 2011 Rodman Ride

Abhi, Josh and Adrian were among the cyclists who biked and raised money for Raising A Reader MA in the 2011 Rodman Ride for Kids.

More than 30 cyclists biked and fundraised on behalf of Raising A Reader MA in the 21st annual Rodman Ride for Kids. Riders and corporate sponsors helped secure a Rodman Ride donation worth more than $30,000. These funds will be used to support Raising A Reader MA's work to break the cycle of low literacy in communities across the Commonwealth.

Want to help? Make a donation to Raising A Reader MA today, or plan to ride in the 2012 Rodman Ride for Kids, scheduled for September 29, 2012.