We have officially started our 2023 Book Fairs at all 102 public elementary schools across Duval County – and we hope you will join us!
There was definitely no “case of the Mondays” for the READ USA team this week! On Monday, we kicked off our 2023 Book Fairs at North Shore, Northwestern Legends, and John E. Ford elementary schools!
Watch the excitement among the students, Principal Hardaway, and Media Specialist Mrs. Flanders at North Shore Elementary as they officially opened the READ USA Book Fair Monday morning:
(And while you’re there, be sure to follow READ USA on Facebook!)
Our team and volunteers are visiting 15 elementary schools this week, which is on average how many book fairs we host each week between now and May 26. By that time, we’ll have put well over 100,000 FREE books into the hands of 51,000 local elementary school students!
These young budding minds get so excited about free books and their energy is contagious! Just look at these kids immersing themselves in their new books and sharing with their friends!
Our volunteers are vital to the Book Fairs’ success, and we need more volunteers to join us during the coming weeks! It’s not too late to register as a volunteer and select the school(s) you want to support.
Children’s Book: Our Planet! There’s No Place Like Earth, by Stacy McAnulty
Illustrated by David Litchfield
Written in first person from the point of view of our great big Earth, this picture book peeks in on the reader and their knowledge of “planet awesome.” Our planet describes the enormity of Earth and its special capacity to hold nearly eight billion people, every plant, and every animal in our whole solar system! We learn that without the perfect climate provided by Earth, people, plants, and animals could not survive. The reader is also privy to the dire effects of climate change on the Earth. Essentially, pollution is moving climate into the “fast lane” and making it difficult for Earth the keep up with the demands of progress. As a result, the weather and waves are getting wild and dangerous. And when Earth is in danger, people are too. Fortunately, Earth gives us some suggestions. We need more wind power, hydropower, solar power, and human power to help cleanse the Earth and bring it back to its full glory… a home for all who would love to enjoy it!
On Saturday, April 22nd, READ USA would like to wish all Earthlings a happy Earth Day!
Submitted by Tabetha Cox, Tutoring Program Director
Parent Education Corner: What is Social Emotional Learning?
Social Emotional Learning is a skill that early and intermediate children develop over time that enables them to manage challenges. After the stress of COVID-19, the demand for social emotional learning has exceeded the amount of support offered and available to schools. “As a result, student distress and difficulty engaging in school are on the rise.” (Viner et al., 2022)
As a parent, the understanding of competency in social emotional learning is important. To have competency in Social Emotional Learning, a child may show success in two broad skills:
- The ability to understand, express, and regulate one’s own emotions.
- The ability to understand and properly respond to others’ emotions.
Ask yourself-
- Can my child tell me when they feel like something is wrong?
- Can my child separate themselves for a cool-down period if they are angry or frustrated?
- Does my child seek help to understand how they are feeling?
- Does my child know when they are having an “off” day, or moment?
- Does my child show empathy towards others?
- Does my child offer to support the feelings of others?
- Does my child initiate sharing with, talking with, and helping their peers?
Social Emotional Learning fosters a climate where all students “feel a positive sense of identity and are able to engage productively with others of different identities.” (Kappan, 2023)
Submitted by Tabetha Cox, Tutoring Program Director
Do you have any questions or ideas for the Parent Education Corner? Anything you’d like to learn? Let us know here!