Hello! As we move toward the end of the traditional school year, we as parents and educators start to wonder how to keep our kids reading over the summer months. I was struck with one solution last week as I visited an elementary school and presented my "How a Book is Born" program to 75 2nd-graders. At the end of the program, I always read aloud excerpts from several of the Young Patriots titles and then ask for questions. One young man shot his hand up in the air and asked, "Can we check these books out of the library?" Another eager child said, "Where can I get these books?" and others were anxious to tell me how they learned to swim just like James Whitcomb Riley did in the story I read to them.

So how do you keep kids reading this summer? Read TO them! Your enthusiastic voice will engage and spur them on to read further, and you may be surprised at how many trips you'll be making to the library or the bookstore. Book clubs are another great incentive for kids to read-don't miss our book club tips in this issue!

Warmly,
Florrie

In a project conducted by the Discovery Channel and America Online, fellow Americans gave their nominations for whom they consider to be the Greatest American.

The online poll received more than half a million submissions - and among them was our Young Patriot, Amelia Earhart!

From Abraham Lincoln to Dr. Phil McGraw; Elvis Presley to Theodore Roosevelt; scientists, athletes, presidents, musicians - all are among those we consider to have made incredible contributions to America's history, society and culture.

Amelia Earhart not only set unprecedented world records for her accomplishments in aviation, but she overcame the social encumbrances of being a woman interested in such a daring and ambitious endeavor.

To view the full article on this project visit the discovery channel website.

Understanding the Importance of Memorial Day

Your silent tents of green We deck with fragrant flowers; Yours has the suffering been, The memory shall be ours. -- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

aturally, Memorial Day to the young may most simply be defined as barbeques, parades, the start of summer and - perhaps most importantly - No School!

But while we celebrate, take a moment to recognize and remember those who helped preserve our freedoms - past and present.

Here are some ideas to help put the "memory" back into Memorial Day:

For the Classroom -

The following classroom activity may help students better appreciate the importance of Memorial Day.

Display a large world map or globe and ask students to point out the places where Americans have fought and died. They will be surprised by the number of unknown areas where soldiers sacrificed their lives to contribute to America's freedoms.

Discuss the different battle grounds/wars. What freedoms do we have today that were preserved by some of these battles/wars?

We Want to Hear From You!

"We are so excited about discovering the Young Patriots Series that we are forming a mother-daughter book club this summer to share Amelia Earhart and continue learning about other American heroines." Jennifer Hakko

Please call, email or write us your comments - good and bad--, suggestions and questions. You are the most important element to the continued success of the Young Patriots Series. We would love to hear from you!

Bonding Through Books

Adults often form book clubs to get the most out
of their reading experiences. Parents can form similar
clubs with their children to encourage them to read!

A s the school year begins to wind down, parents are often concerned about the lack of educational influence for their children during the three months of - more often than not - a lot of TV-watching.

And of course there is also the concern that if your child is an avid book-reader, what kind of books is he/she reading?

A great way to spend some quality - and bonding - time with your child during the long summer break, is to form a book club within your community, or perhaps with just a few of your friends and family. It's an interactive and fun method of encouraging children to read.

Here are some online resources to help you organize your own book club:

Visit the Reading Group Guides website for advice on starting a book club of your own.

Math and Reading Help for Kids is a great source to learn more about using book clubs to encourage literacy.

The Children Today website discussing the bonding benefits of reading together with your children in a group setting.

 

 

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