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A resource for families in Santa Cruz County | |
Cursive writing was so yesterday in California . . .
(and all over the country)
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I know teachers and parents who don't know how to write in cursive. It's not their fault! Some of you may be "victims" of its demise by the movement beginning in the 80's, others from the elimination of cursive by the 2010 Common Core Curriculum.
I have also met teachers and parents who, as kids, went underground and taught or learned cursive anyway!
In the 20th century first graders were proud to learn cursive writing. Some were so eager that they would secretly began writing it on their own.
The movement to deprive children of the thrill of learning cursive skills took away their pride in being "old enough to write in cursive;" the benefit of eye-hand-mind coordination. It doomed them to forever find difficulty reading cursive writing.
14 to 40 or so years later CURSIVE is back! Beginning this fall, it’s required teaching in California public schools in grades 1-6.
This means there are teachers and parents who will need to learn cursive too. Just google a "How to Write in Cursive" and start practicing.
AND while you're at it, here's how to hold a pencil for creating the most beautiful, legible letters and preserving hand & finger muscles. Rest the pencil on the side of your third finger, with the eraser end resting in the crease between your thumb and pointer. Close your thumb and pointer finger on the pencil so you can move it. Extra help for lefties > > >
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Have a dry, sunny weekend with the family, Parmalee | | |
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On the night you were born,
the moon smiled with such wonder
that the stars peeked in to see you
and the night wind whispered.
"Life will never be the same."
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“Bringing Awareness to Japanese and Japanese Americans History, Culture and Heritage”
Watsonville Reads will feature book discussions, craft-making programs and writing workshops. We have selected two books that are representative of our selected theme and are intended to inspire and foster lively discussions:
"The Buddha in the Attic” by Julie Otsuka
"Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet” by Jamie Ford
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Helpful Articles for Exercizing Choices | |
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Sold a Story: How Teaching Kids to Read Went So Wrong
There's an idea about how children learn to read that's held sway in schools for more than a generation — even though it was proven wrong by cognitive scientists decades ago. Listen to an exposé of how educators came to believe in something that isn't true and are now reckoning with the consequences — children harmed, money wasted, an education system upended. Listen > > >
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Want to know more about the science of reading?
This list is put together by Emily Hanford, host of the podcast Sold a Story: How Teaching Kids to Read Went So Wrong. I shall be reading and reviewing these ten books on the science of reading. You too? I'll give you my opinion as I can over the next few months. Feel welcome to share your opinion with all our readers. Parmalee, info@santacruzparent.com
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Parenting Workshops for inspiration, finding ways to help with parenting challenges, tweaking our skills and support from leaders & fellow travelers in this incredible and important journey....
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Plan Ahead!
Kennolyn Camp
Play Day & Magic Show
Details
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It's School Open House Season.
Explore your options.
Visit websites.
Go to Open Houses & Tours
Make appointments to visit schools.
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Make Needle Felted Hearts at The Art Factory, Friday, February 9, 6-8pm, Join us for making needle felted hearts at The Art Factory. All levels welcome! Learn the old-world craft of needle felting. Work with wool to sculpt colorful hearts and string with beads to create a necklace, pin or garland. All materials are included. Sign up > > >
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Drop In Ceramics at The Art Factory,Saturday, February 10, 10 - 11am, Make your own handmade ceramic heart plate with Danielle, perfect for sweets and treasures alike or take the project in a different direction. From proper clay wedging to sculpture in the round, this lesson in ceramics will leave you hooked. All ages are welcome to this workshop, so bring the whole family along. All Ages! Details
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Find SOMEBODY TO LOVE! February 1 – 29, Through the month of February, Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter is reducing adoption fees to half the normal rates and holding several adoption events to make it easier to find that special furry someone. Details
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La Selva Beach Winter Craft Fair and Book Sale, Saturday, February 10, 10am – 4pm, Come to the La Selva Beach Winter Fair for unique shopping, great deals on books, and delicious food! Over 35 art and craft vendors will showcase handmade jewelry, art, pottery, bags, candles, soaps, plants, woodcraft, home decor and more. Details
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Every February we celebrate the achievements and history of African Americans as part of Black History Month. Our public libraries are honoring and highlighting the many contributions of African Americans to the United States through many fun and educational activities. See the the activities they have for this month in celebration of Black History Month! Details
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West Cliff Outdoor Market, Saturday, February 10, 10am – 5pm, Come enjoy our West Cliff outdoor market with unique artisans and food trucks while taking in the spectacular view of the ocean. This one of a kind market will be held in two parking lots along West Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz. The market will feature hand crafted gifts and admission is FREE! Details
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Paint Your Pet Fundraiser ~ Pregnant Mare Rescue, Saturday, February 10, 2 – 5pm, Join us for a Paint Your Pet event on February 10th from 2-5 pm at our beautiful studio on the west side of Santa Cruz. Proceeds from this event go back to Pregnant Mare Rescue! Details
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Healer Trio Love Songs Benefit, Saturday, February 10, 3 – 5, Get Inspired, Connected, and Energized. Sing along and be sung to with some favorite love songs, trademark silliness and laughter. This concert is a benefit for the Center for Farmworker Families. Details | |
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Valentine Crafts, Tuesday, February 13, 5:30pm, Celebrate love and friendship at the Valentine’s Day Crafts program ~ Paint a heart-shaped wooden box and decorate the wrapper of a chocolate bar as a gift for others or yourself. Details
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Practical Special Education Advocacy Tips for Parents, February 13, Transition Planning in High School, Join us via Zoom for a Special Ed workshop. We will discuss steps you can take to improve your advocacy skills and help you become a more effective advocate for your child. There will be ample time for Q&A! Details
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Nature Journal Studio, February 14, 6:30 – 8pm, Nature journaling can help us view the natural world with new perspectives, learn about our surroundings, and see the extraordinary in the ordinary. During monthly Nature Journal Studio sessions at the Museum, Melinda Nakagawa will guide you through a topic as we practice skills in a group setting and share our learning with others. We will develop observation skills and awareness of nature, improve sketching skills, and practice strategies to bring the 3-dimensional world onto the page. Rather than an art class, nature journaling is about observation, curiosity, wonder, and honing these abilities. Details
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Junior Rangers at Garfield Park Library, February 15, 3:30 – 5pm, Junior Rangers is a statewide program for 7 – 12 year olds. Junior Rangers will receive a logbook, and earn stamps and rewards along the way as they participate in programs. Play games, observe wildlife, and more, all while making friends your own age in some of the best places in California. As you go through the program, you will earn some very cool rewards in geology, ecology, history, safety, plants, and wildlife. Details
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