Cosy up with kids and read
Last week’s library column about losing my reading mojo reminded me of the advice librarians and teachers often give to parents about their children and reading. If you read last week’s column, does this sound familiar?
“Reading should not be presented to children as a chore or duty. It should be offered to them as a precious gift.”—Kate DiCamillo
This notion applies to reading too. We read countless numbers of books, articles, blogs, social media posts and we hear hundreds of opinions on how best to teach a child how to read.
Here are five top tips from a not so serious librarian, exteacher and mum.
How many times have you read the first few pages of a book and thought – no thanks? So, if you show your child a book and they show no interest, then put it away and come back to it later. OR choose another book. No problem. No pressure. No hassle. You should enjoy the journey, and so should your child.
Make reading a part of your daily life, and kids will learn to love it, but you don’t need to schedule it and stand over them with a stop watch. Your kids are watching your every move. Plus they copy you. So if they see you reading regularly the experts say this is good modelling.
A lot of people read before bed. It has been said that reading a book before bed is a known stress reducer, it can also help you fall asleep faster.
Visit the library and strike up a conversation with a friendly children’s librarian. They are the kindest, cleverest, most patient, nonjudgemental, well-grounded and silliest of people in this whole world, and they will joyfully help you to raise a reader.
So, what do you think? Time to take our own advice? I think so!
Winter Warmers
Our Librarians collaborate with teachers, parents and wha¯ nau to help stimulate and reinforce a reading culture within the community. The library does its part by providing a free reading focussed programme during summer. But did you know that we also have a winter reading programme running over the winter months with schools? This year, children can also take part by registering for the programme called Winter Warmers at Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-po¯ . Any child aged between 3
and 13, who has a library membership can join up. All they need to do is write four book reviews and earn a reward. If they write another four reviews they can receive an extra prize. The programme runs from 3rd – 28th August. Register NOW.
WHAT’S ON? Matariki – Deep Space:
A View of the Stars and Beyond, by Dr Stephen Chadwick, Friday 5 June to Sunday 23 August, Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom
Keith Hastings – Acrylics by Keith Hastings:
Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-po¯ July 2020
The Heritage rooms at Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-po¯ are manned by volunteers 10am-12.30 pm Monday to Saturday and Wednesday and Thursday afternoons 1.00pm – 3.00pm.
Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom Heritage Room has the Research librarian available all day every Friday.
Friday 31 July: Friday Concert:
Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-po¯ 12pm
SeniorNet:
Get help with your tablets, phones and laptops Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom 10am-12pm
Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-po¯ 2pm -4pm
Sunday 2 August: Family Time in the Youth Space:
Giant board games, craft activities and family fun in the Youth Space every Sunday from 1pm to 4pm. Come on in with the wha¯ nau!
Monday 3 August:
Takeretanga o Kura-hau-po¯ 9.30am-12.00pm
Toddler Time:
Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-po¯ – Children’s Library, every Monday, 2pm
Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom – Children’s Library, every Monday 2.15pm
playgroup:
Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-po¯ 9.30am-12.00pm Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-po¯ 11.30am-1.30pm
JP Service: Wednesday 5 August: Social crochet and coffee club:
Te Takeretanga o Kurahau-po¯ 10.30am Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-po¯ Open Meeting Space 7pm $5
Quiz Night: Toddler Time:
Shannon Library, every Wednesday 2pm
Thursday 6 August: Raukawa Whanau Ora playgroup:
Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-po¯ 9.30am-12.00pm
An Introduction to Sewing - Everything you need to get started. Learn new skills and develop the confidence to use our sewing machines for your own, un-tutored projects. Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-po¯ Youth Space 10am to 12pm
Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-po¯ 3.30pm to 4.30pm
Made to Sew: Lego Hour: Friday 7 August: Local Music Showcase (Friday Concert):
Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-po¯ 12pm
SeniorNet:
Get help with your tablets, phones and laptops Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom 10am-12pm
Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-po¯ 2pm -4pm