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Every class room, and every home, needs a library. Even if it's small and even if the books change because you borrow them. But kids need books (so do grownups, but that's another post) and they need to learn the parts of the books, how they work, and how to use and love them. It really is a non-negotiable. It's a significant part of learning, and no, the smart phones, and the computers haven't replaced that need. And finding a favorite book to hear again and again and again and again, until you have it memorized and can "read it". That's an amazing part of learning too. Do you remember one of your first favorite books? I do. I had many books I enjoyed, but one in particular was "The Monster At The End Of This Book" with Grover, who tries desperately to get you to STOP turning the pages! I loved it and I still do. In fact I made sure that my kids had the book, and my grands too. And you know that every time I read that book to them, magic happened. Because when you love a book, you just read it differently. And that, those moments, that passes a spark on to the next person. It may not be their very favorite, but that spark, it takes hold in them, and helps them to find their favorites too.  Books also make excellent gifts year round. If you are interested in supporting my school, and buying books for your kids, here is a win-win. When you shop this link https://orders.scholastic.com/Y77BN
It automatically credits our class code of Y77BN, and helps us get more free books for the classroom library. Safe and happy travels! Theresa
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 logo Over The Bay Pre-K I am literally working part of each day, 7 days a week right now. And no I don't say that to brag or for sympathy. In fact I make SURE that I have plenty of rest, and other things happening too. But, I am currently working to rebuild the Over The Bay Pre-K site, as it has evolved to meet the needs of preschool families, and other preschools.
Currently the Winter Session is still in progress, and the school is transitioning to a Resource Center, opening in 2022. It's a lot of fun, and engaging work, and a lot of responsibility and creating. Over The Bay Pre-K will still be an online virtual preschool, but it will also have a resource feel to it, so that more families can tap into the parts they need. Not all families need the full structure of 5 classes a week. Instead many want to know specific things, as they work on them at home. An example would be how to write the letters, or ideas on how to teach math principles like estimating (and why that is important) and to have access to stories that are being read out loud. There is even an entire area on health and safety lessons, manners, life skills, school skills and more. It's really feeling like a legacy of love that will serve so many, for a very long time. I am proud of the work, and yes, tired too. Safe and happy travels! Theresa  librarian at the library Libraries are a fundamental hub for learning and connecting in communities. And often we hear about how great they are for supporting families and children, from birth through adulthood.
From story times, to book clubs, summer reading programs, as well as other learning opportunities for everyone in the family. And of course they are a great resource for parents to access books for their kids, and about kids too. But one of the things that is often overlooked is the value that the children's section librarian can bring to your classroom, or daycare. Yeah, to your business, even if it's a private for profit entity. Librarians can help assist you with books on so many topics including how to create learning centers, or holiday art, or great first books to read. They know things like there is a series of books, and they cover these topics. And they know where they are in the library! A librarian can be an incredible resource and partner for you, and can make a lot of great suggestions too. You show up with a question "we are studying pigs, manners, and mud - help?". And they will smile, maybe even laugh and say have you considered __________? And just like that, you have a start! Sometimes too, they may lead you to things you didn't know you could check out. An example could be puppets, or flannel board characters. And they may even have extra resource ideas and activities, where you can grab a sheet, and then create that as a lesson in your classroom. It's even possible they may have bookmarks, and that you can have one for every student in your classroom - all for free. I get it, we can find a lot on the internet now. But hands on is wonderful, and a "guide" in the form of a librarian can be the gift of support you didn't even know you needed. Have you been to the library lately? Maybe it's time you stopped in. Safe and happy travels! Theresa Hunger is a pretty significant issue in the States, and it's actually gotten worse since the pandemic started. Many families count on meals at school to help feed their kids. But when there is no school, often that means no food. Spring break, holiday break, summer break, other random holidays and pandemic closures. Unfortunately many people feel a sense of shame, that they are unable to feed their families. And often suffer quietly. And even if the kids might get to eat at school, there may be siblings or parents that are going without a meal.
This is an issue that needs to be addressed, just because of the humanity of people deserve nutrition. But it's also a learning issue. If you are tired, or hungry from missing meals you are less likely to do well in school. Kids may be falling asleep, or acting up (to stay awake or because they don't feel well from being hungry), or even just feeling angry, frustrated and depressed. And their growing bodies, and brains aren't getting the nutrition they need to grow. On top of that we know that early education sets the foundation for learning. If a child is falling behind, because of nutrition issues, they are "falling behind". And we know that can create a domino effect that many times isn't turned around. If they haven't learned how to read by the third grade, (the last year reading is taught, because 4th and above you are reading to learn) or learned the math basics, or the penmanship, and they are still hungry, success isn't going to come easy, if at all. As we move into the "food holidays" consider if you need help. If you do, please reach out. https://www.feedingamerica.org/need-help-find-food And if you don't need help, then please consider where can you help out? Can you donate time or money to a project, a non-profit, a school pantry? Or even to your teachers classroom, so they can have snacks available as needed. It's a big issue, and it's not getting better. It's going to take all of us to pitch in! Safe and happy travels! Theresa  How to get a letter postmarked from the North Pole: Have the child write a letter to Santa and place it in an envelope addressed to: Santa Claus, North Pole. Write a personalized response to the child's letter and sign it "From Santa." Insert both letters into an envelope, and address it to the child. Add the return address: SANTA, NORTH POLE, to the envelope. Ensure a First-Class Mail stamp is affixed to the envelope. Place the complete envelope into a larger envelope, with appropriate postage, and address it to: NORTH POLE POSTMARK POSTMASTER 4141 POSTMARK DR ANCHORAGE AK 99530-9998 We recommend sending your letters by December 10. Santa’s helpers in Anchorage, AK, will take care of the rest! I hope this brings a little happy magic to you and your child this season. If you practice the Santa Claus Christmas.
Safe and happy travels! Theresa  Today is Veterans Day and two weeks from today is Thanksgiving.
Veterans Day is a day to honor those that have served in the Armed Services and is held annually on the 11th. Personally I would like to say - Thank you for your service. I would also like to bring to light the fact that many of our country's veterans are not getting the care and resources they need and deserve. They gave so much in their service (and yes some gave all) and yet on their return to day to day life many are left with unmet needs. One resource is: Confidential counselors are available for service members and their families through Military One Source at 1-800-342-9647. If you’re unsure whether to seek treatment or if you someone you know might need treatment, they are an excellent first stop for information and advice. And then two weeks from today we kick off the holidays with Thanksgiving. And while there is a lot to be thankful for, and it can be a wonderful time for many - it can also be a pretty scary time too. Even before Covid, getting together with family brought stress to the forefront. With families that are living pay check to pay check the extra burden of gifts and meals and travel, can put a significant strain on families. And drinking tends to go up during the holidays too, and that can lead to bigger issues. Domestic Violence goes up during the holidays, and often mental health, anxiety, stress and depression does too. It's a time where a lot more folks are needing resources, but are often closed in and away too. With breaks from work and school, and weather conditions it can all add up to be a rough time for families - and not a time of gratitude and grace. Here's a resource from Domestic Violence BUT first a warning taken directly from their page: Internet usage can be monitored and is impossible to erase completely. If you’re concerned your internet usage might be monitored, call us at 800.799.SAFE (7233). Learn more about digital security and remember to clear your browser history after visiting this website. Because you may need to know that BEFORE the link! And here is the link -- https://www.thehotline.org/ May you find the good stuff, today and through the holidays! May we find a day where that's true for all of us! And if you need help, may you find the strength to seek it. Safe and happy travels! Theresa  Have you heard the news yet? Over The Bay Pre-K is transitioning (2022) to a resource center!
I am so excited about this shift, even though it means that I am working 7 days a week, for the next few months. But it is truly a labor of love and a commitment to those early years of education. The truth is that even though it's "pre-k" in the name there is material that is going to help students that are older too. That focus on getting kids reading by the end of the third grade, is certainly included in the resources. And full disclosure, many of the science experiments over there are enjoyed by adults too! Seeing the actual need for online learning, as well as the tools and materials that can be used online has created this shift in the work. And it really feels very much like a life mission. The need is huge, not just for families of preschoolers or homeschoolers but also for other online schools. Finding content that is designed to be used online, and not infringe on copywrites is not easy. And in creating original content, and making it accessible to many - Over The Bay Pre-K is going to truly be disrupting in a very positive way that helps create a lot more success for others. And YES, I will be talking about it over here too! Safe and happy travels! Theresa November is National Runaway Prevention Month (NRPM), a public awareness campaign designed to “shine a light” on the experiences of runaway and homeless youth that too often remain invisible. It is also an opportunity to spotlight the resources available to support youth in crisis throughout the nation.  If you are a runaway OR KNOW ONE - please reach out for help. The website has many resources available again that is:
https://www.1800runaway.org/prevention-education/nrpm And if you are in the position to support organizations like this one, or the YWCA, or the YMCA, or homeless shelters in your area - please, consider doing so. You can support financially, with donations, and even with your time. Safe and happy travels! Theresa  1 in 10 young people (ages 18-25) in a year experience homelessness. Last week I read an article in the San Diego Union Tribune, that was written by a couple of folks from the YMCA of San Diego County. And they did a great job of talking about the "invisible crisis" of homeless youth.
1 in 10 young people (ages 18-25) in a year and 1 in 30 adolescents (age 13-17) experience homelessness without a caregiver. That is a lot of kids that have fallen through the cracks and no, not all of them are runaways. In fact some have just managed to be forgotten in many ways, by a society that is too busy. And a lot of these kids are still in school, many have jobs, and even participate on sports teams, That means that here in San Diego County if you have a kid, they probably know a kid that is homeless. And these kids need more than shelter - they need an opportunity to build skills besides resiliency and they deserve an opportunity to rest, recover and yes still be a kid. Many of these kids are already forced into working lives, with no hope out. They need and deserve stability, health care, hot meals, balanced nutrition and a transition. A transition to be housed, and to a life of success. It's time that we as a country stop using phrases like "pull yourself up by your boot straps" and start leading with compassion, and empathy instead. But it takes more than thoughts and prayers, it takes work. The YMCA and YWCA are both well known across the United States, but they can only do so much with the limited space and funding they have, and the growing number of this invisible crisis. Safe and happy travels! Theresa  Does the internet connect everyone? Short Answer? No
However -- The internet has really closed the gap for a lot of the citizens around the world. From access to entertainment, to access to education. As long as they can use it. Unfortunately it's still out of reach for many, and no high speed access is not readily available in all locations, even here in the States. According to www.statista.com As of January 2021 there were 4.66 billion active internet users worldwide - 59.5 percent of the global population. Of this total, 92.6 percent (4.32 billion) accessed the internet via mobile devices. The top five states with the best Internet are the following: New Jersey Connecticut Rhode Island New York Massachusetts The five states with the worst Internet are the following: Wyoming Oklahoma Arkansas Mississippi Montana and if you want to see where the other states fall use this link. But here's the thing, there's also a difference in where in the state you are located, as to how fast your access actually is for your device. Take Idaho for example, with it's mountains in the north, and it's flatter land in the SE, it comes in #37 on the list but where in the state is that true? If you are in the Treasure Valley, in Boise, you are much more likely to have high speed access. However if you are in a rural mountain town, outside of Coeur d'Alene, in North Idaho, you will not be seeing the same speeds at all. In fact you will probably be thinking, wait have I travelled back in time? Now when we are talking about the access of students, this is a game changer for equal access right? Not necessarily! What if you have three students, that are all needing to do their classwork at the same time, on the same home internet? It's gonna be slower. Having the devices is also something that is not affordable to all. While smart phones and tablets have come down in price, and wireless access has gone up considerably, we need to make sure that we aren't assuming it's equal access, because it's not. If we focus on getting devices and high speed internet into the hands of families, and students then we will really see a levelling up of quality access to education and opportunities for everyone. It's not a matter of if, but when; and we really can't afford to wait. Too many people are getting pushed aside. Safe and happy travels! Theresa Have you checked out Over The Bay Pre-K yet? It's a virtual Pre-K Classroom and it's affordable too! |