Your Family Story, 100 Days of Reading, Learn a Spanish Nursery Rhyme

Literacy Department eNewsletter

Week of July 6, 2020

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Sharing your Family Story

This interesting article is about sharing your “family story” with your child(ren). Discussing your family story helps children understand their family history better, but it also provides stories of strength and overcoming adversity; this is especially important when children are living through challenging times. The author writes that “family stories help children feel safe, secure, and grounded.”

Although families regularly discuss topics like their day, their job, friends and family, etc., summer provides an excellent opportunity to dive deeper into your family’s background. For example, try questions such as:

· Where/how did your parents or grandparents meet?

· Do you know the source of your name?

· Do you know some jobs your parents had when they were younger?

Access the article for more information and a list of guiding questions HERE

Let's Cook: Tortilla de Patatas

In Spain, a popular dish is tortilla de patatas, translated to Spanish omelette. A few simple ingredients come together in a delicious meal commonly found on tapas menus. Its origin supposedly dates back to the 1800’s when General Tomás de Zumalacárregui needed a nutritious, cheap, and easy dish to feed his troops.

Ingredients:

· 4 potatoes

· 7 eggs

· 1 onion

· Salt

· Olive oil

Directions:

1. Cut the onion and potatoes into thin slices.

2. Add olive oil to a frying pan, enough to cover the onion and potatoes, and heat.

3. Add onion to hot oil and cook for about 5 minutes.

4. Add potatoes and season with salt. Lower heat, cover, and cook for about 30 minutes.

5. On a paper towel lined plate, drain the onion and potatoes.

6. Whisk eggs. Add eggs, onion, potatoes, and salt to oiled frying pan. Cook over low heat for about 10 minutes.

7. With the help of a plate, turn tortilla de patatas out of the pan. Let rest for 10 minutes.

8. Eat and enjoy!

100 Days of Reading - Keep Schoolage Children Learning

Keep your kids learning during summer months with 100 Days of Reading. Not only will daily reading help your child, but it can also help provide books to kids in need! Save the Children launched their 100 Days of Reading campaign. Simply “read with your kids, log your minutes, and help give books to kids in need.”

Visit the Save the Children website for more information, find tools such as bookmarks and reading logs, and start logging your minutes at:

https://www.savethechildren.org/us/more-ways-to-help/read-a-story

Emoji Nursery Rhyme Riddle!

Can you figure out this nursery rhyme, emoji style?

It’s time to learn a traditional Spanish nursery rhyme. La Pájara Pinta is a song about a bird sitting in a tree waiting for her love. She takes a flower from the tree and does a dance to say “I love you.”

Join Literacy’s Samantha, and family, to learn La Pájara Pinta HERE

Want to learn another nursey rhyme in Spanish?

Check out Los Pollitos Dicen HERE

United States Civics Study Help Online

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires those pursuing U.S. citizenship to know 100 civics questions. Test your knowledge of United States history, government, and geography.

Access questions 41-60 HERE

Access questions 21-40 HERE

Access questions 1-20 HERE

If you’re eligible and interested in becoming an American citizen, you can participate in our Citizenship Preparation class. Email LiteracyServices@communitylibrary.org for more information.

Catherine: Guess the Suspect- Adjectives, Synonyms, and Antonyms

Learn Along with Catherine

Ms. Catherine shares a lesson for beginner English Language Learners. Today's lesson is about adjectives, synonyms and antonyms.

https://youtu.be/0hGGM3Avv9g

Staff Picks - Highlights Magazine on Flipster

Samantha recommends Highlights magazine found on Flipster.

She says “I recommend this magazine because it strengthens children’s reading abilities, promotes creativity, sharpens thinking skills, and helps build confidence. There are stories, games, puzzles, riddles, science experiments, craft projects, and activities that are as entertaining as they are educational. It is helpful for children to be creative and have fun while learning new things every month.”

Find Highlights magazine on Flipster HERE