November is Family Literacy Month

 Hello, Friends!

November is Family Literacy Month. It's a special time to put reading and books in the forefront of our family activities.

What does that look like? It looks like...

• Adults reading books, magazines, the back of cereal boxes, road signs, ANYTHING to/with kids
• Adults talking to kids about what the kids are reading
• Adults encouraging kids to think about what they read
• Adults listening to kids read out loud
• Adults providing language-rich environments for their kids (language-rich just means lots of interesting and varied reading material)
• Adults modeling reading to kids (I know you've got a TBR stack somewhere!)
• Adults doing literacy extension activities with kids (after you read a book together, have the child write his or her own story of a similar style or voice, or do a craft that reinforces what they learned, or read another book about the same subject, but maybe nonfiction this time, etc.)
• Adults taking kids to the library (or bookstore) for books, magazines, programs

In short, family literacy is families spending time together with books! What could be better?

Kellie Houx of the Courier-Tribune in Liberty, Missouri, interviewed me for Family Literacy Month. Hope you enjoy her article, linked below. Happy reading!

Best,

Jody

Choice of books, positive parent modeling keys to family literacy

 

Books for Beaumont

Dear Friends,

You know how sometimes a situation presents itself, and you think, "I could help with that!"?

That's what happened to me late last week when a writing buddy posted this notice on Verla Kay's blueboards, a children's book writing and illustrating message board:

"Well, I recently accepted a position as principal/curriculum coordinator at a local charter school here in Texas. We are a PK-8th grade campus with approximately 300 students. Over 90% are at poverty level. Our library is coming along slowly. We are in need of lower level AR books (PK-2nd grade for sure). Our library budget is nonexistent. We could use new or gently used books. If anyone knows of publishers/bookstores/individuals who might be willing to donate some books, I'd greatly appreciate it. We are the Ehrhart School in Beaumont, TX. Thanks so much!

Larry"

I thought about all those kids needing books for their library with no funding and with school just weeks away. I thought about the complimentary copies of my books just sitting at home in my office not being used.

I contacted Larry and asked if he'd like some of my books. I knew they didn't meet the Accelerated Reader requirement he requested, so I wasn't sure. Larry responded with a big yes. I got the address of the school and boxed up my books.

I happened to mention my exchange with Larry to a writer friend. She wanted to donate some of her books, too. That started the ball rolling.

I contacted Larry, again, and asked if he'd be okay with me posting his message about his school's need for books on my blog. Maybe other authors and publishing folks would donate their books. Maybe they would re-post, re-blog, tweet, and message their friends. Maybe we could send lots and lots of books to Beaumont, not just my five.

Thus, Books for Beaumont was created!

If you'd like to help the kids of The Ehrhart School, please send your books to:

The Ehrhart School
Dr. Larry Haynes
3380 Fannin
Beaumont, Texas 77701

Here's their website: http://ehrhartschool.org/index.jsp.

Feel free to share this post. Let's fill the shelves of the Ehrhart School's library. School starts August 26, so don't delay!

(And don't forget: your donations and postage are tax deductible as business expenses.)

Thanks for helping with Books for Beaumont!

Jody