Reading is one of the most important tools in life that allows you to navigate and build the life you want. My grandson will be entering kindergarden this coming school year and i want him prepared to absorb as much knowledge as possible so i checked out "BOB Books" to introduce him to reading. He enjoys the stories and is beginning to recognize words and sentences. i believe by the end of the summer he will be able to read all the stories and possibly write sentences. Read by 4th seems to put pressure on our pre-schoolers to read and stresses some of our families. i'm not putting pressure on my grandson, i try to make our reading time as fun as possible. Creating fun family learning time is getting a bit easier. We read books while on the bus to the mall or wherever and eat at restaurants like Chic-Fil-A whose kid meals has a "Great Ocean" under water card game. Or Wendy's kids meal with STEM toys that allow us to build and explore together.
i'm also on a mission to connect under resourced poorly vested communities to free, fun, family activities that promote learning something new everyday. Our most vulnerable under resourced poorly vested communities are manipulated because they are not able to read. Not being able to read means they must depend on others who may or may not have their best interest. Not to mention the shame attached to not being able to read and think for yourself.
FRIDAY, JUNE 17 | FOOD TRUCKS 5PM; CONCERT 6-7:30PM
---
3133 Ridge Ave, 2nd Floor Philadelphia, PA 19121
Cell: 267-235-7946
www.net-centers.org
i'm meeting with parents to address their concerns with public education in Strawberry Mansion. Most of these parents are illiterate and have built a trusting relationship with each other for support and advice. i met these parents at a Community School Partnership Ambassador training hosted by PCAPS earlier this year. We exchanged info and eventually one of the parents reached out to me for help. We are working together to build learning facilities that include parents in their youths development and partners with concerned community members.
Strawberry Mansion is one of the poorest communities in our nation, we are disconnected on so many levels. Literacy makes the difference and i plan to organize some fun, free, family focused activities that will promote "The Family That Learns Together, Earns Together". Have to do a bit more researching on the resources we can connect to, but this is what i have so far:
The Free Library’s Summer Reading Program begins Monday, June 13! Neighborhood libraries will offer programs and activities for all ages, as well as Bingo with a literacy twist for children, and raffles for teens and adults. And yes, the Wonder Kits (8 weeks of awesome activities) are back! From June 13 through August 5, every week there will be a new Wonder Kit available at every library for sumer reading participants. Each Wonder Kit will have fun and engaging activities for children, teens, and families with STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Art Science) themed activities.
On the go this summer? Online Summer Reading may be just the thing for you! All ages can participate in our Online Summer Reading, with four age levels available. Participants will earn badges by completing learning tracks with activities designed to get people reading, taking advantage of free events in Philadelphia, writing book reviews, and tracking how many minutes they have read over the summer. Weekly raffle winners will have their names listed on our Summer Reading website and there will be special prizes for one person in each age level!
You don't have to wait for Summer Reading to begin to start checking out books and adding them to your to-read list though—you can browse through these School District of Philadelphia suggested summer reading booklists, or just search through our online catalog for any number of great titles in all kinds of diverse genres and reading levels.
Happy Reading, Philadelphia!
We also have access to Smith Memorial Playground that is free and open to the public. A $5 per family suggested donation is asked but not required. There is a new "Nature Space", certified classroom at the playground where i plan to create videos with my grands and neighbors to explore nature.
Story Time
Smith hosts Story Time in the Playhouse every Wednesday, year-round, at 10:30 a.m. for children 5 and younger. Each session is led by Smith staff and volunteers and features stories and songs. Registration is required for groups to attend Story Time.
Crafts in the Playhouse
Smith hosts Crafts in the Playhouse on the third Friday of the month, year-round, from 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM. Each month will feature special crafts for children 5 and younger. Registration is required for groups to take part in crafts.
Family Morning at Smith
Tuesdays, 10am – 1pm, are reserved just for family fun, with no groups visiting. Come and enjoy the Playground when it is less crowded.
Soccer Shots at Smith
Soccer Shots is the premier youth soccer experience for children ages 2-8. Registration for the summer season (Saturdays) and summer camps (two 1-week sessions) is now open! $10 registration discount is available for select membership levels*, email info@smithplayground.org for the discount code. *Please note that if you joined or renewed your membership on or after April 1st, the Soccer Shots discount will only be available to our Tier 1 and Tier 2 members. More details about our new membership levels.
1-week Summer Camps
August 22-26 | 9AM-12PM
August 29 – September 2 | 9AM-12PM
Ages 4-8
Enroll today!
August 22-26 | 9AM-12PM
August 29 – September 2 | 9AM-12PM
Ages 4-8
Enroll today!
Annual Events
Play- A- Palooza
On the last Saturday in March children ages 10 and younger and their caregivers are invited to come celebrate the seasonal opening of the Playground at a special preview party. This event requires tickets for children only; free for members.
Kidchella
FRIDAY, JUNE 17 | FOOD TRUCKS 5PM; CONCERT 6-7:30PM
FRIDAY, JULY 15 | FOOD TRUCKS 5PM; CONCERT 6-7:30PM
FRIDAY, AUGUST 19 | FOOD TRUCKS 5PM; CONCERT 6-7:30PM
In June, July, and August, families are invited to enjoy Smith’s annual kids music festival in the Playground to rock out to a fantastic line-up of well-known national musicians that kids AND adults will enjoy. This event requires tickets for children AND adults. Half-price tickets for members. Details and Tickets
We have Mander Playground, The Discovery Center, Northeast Treatment Center and so much more to connect too!!
1. Healthy Lifestyles Classes
2. Diabetes "Dia- BEAT- it" Drop in workshop
3. Coffee and Conversation
4. Intro to Computers
5. Food Handlers certification
6. GED classes starting in June
7. Empower to Employ program
Please share with families and those who could benefit!
---
Carly E. King, Director of Community Engagement
NET Community Care, CUA 7
NET Community Care, CUA 7
Dr. Ruth Wright Hayre Educational Complex
(Formerly L.P. Hill School)
Main: 267-479-5900 ext. 420
After Hours Emergencies: 1-866-689-8085
With all these resources, i will only need a couple more years to show you how one person can empower and engage families and community members to make so much difference!!
Summer of Service Idea: Read & Act
ReplyDeleteUnited We Serve: Let's Read. Let's Move. calls on all Americans to participate in combating summer reading loss and childhood obesity through volunteering and service this summer. Use the Read & Act: Kids Making a Difference collection of inspiring children's books from FirstBook paired with free downloadable discussion guides from YSA to help youth ages 6-12, understand how they can use their unique talents, interests and passions to spark action in their own communities. https://www.fbmarketplace.org/read-and-act