Hooked on Books
Books open a window to the world, taking readers to other times and other places – introducing them to new thoughts and ideas. Yet reading does much more than expand the imagination, especially for children.
Research shows that exposure to books in early childhood – even in infancy – is critical to future reading development. It’s a building block for early learning experiences, contributing to language development, better grades in school and enhanced productivity in adult life.
In 2007, the National Center for Educational Statistics released its annual “Reading Report,” finding that a staggering 33 percent of all fourth-graders in this country still cannot read at even the basic level. Worse yet, deficient readers run higher risks of failure in personal, professional and social areas.
Even those who do read at grade level face additional challenges. For instance, as children age, research shows that time spent reading decreases. Eighth grade seems to be the tipping point where children stop reading for pleasure due to more homework and competing interests. On average, young people between the ages of 15 and 24 spend almost two hours a day watching TV, but only seven minutes of their daily leisure time reading.
So what can parents and caregivers do to give children a solid reading foundation and help them become life-long readers?
As this year’s brides eagerly anticipate upcoming nuptials, ‘tis the season to shower them with festive attention. If it’s your turn to host a bridal shower, make a streamlined plan so you can join in the fun.
Casual gatherings are more popular today than over-orchestrated events, so keep your shower plans focused on celebrating the bride and giving her a fun time to treasure. Serve some lemon desserts or beverages, which are refreshing, not-too-sweet and highlight a tongue-in-cheek reflection of the sweet ‘n’ sour mix of married life.
Make it delicious, memorable and fun!
Sweet, stress-free tips for a fun shower:
• Determine your menu and ask a couple guests’ help with making punch or treats.
• Invite guests that know each other or that know at least a few people at the party.
• Have a few close friends arrive early to help with last minute details and to bring the party to life.
• Designate an area for the bride to sit to open her gifts. Stock the area with scissors, trash containers and a notepad and pen to record who gave what gift.
• Provide a disposable camera or two to record the fun for the bride’s scrapbook.
• Designate who will be the bride’s note taker and photographer before the event starts.
• Recipe sharing: include recipe cards for dishes served at the shower, for guests to take home; ask guests to fill out “Happy Marriage Recipe” cards for the bride.
- Why did God make mothers?
1. She’s the only one who knows where the scotch tape is.
2. Mostly to clean the house.
3. To help us out of there when we were getting born.
- How did God make mothers?
1. He used dirt, just like for the rest of us.
2. Magic plus super powers and a lot of stirring.
3. God made my Mom just the same like he made me. He just used bigger
parts.
- What ingredients are mothers made of ?
1. God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in
the world and one dab of mean.
2. They had to get their start from
men’s bones. Then they mostly use string, I think.
Children - 
Education - 
