News

Monday, June 1, 2009

Elementary district library news

A message to parents from Nancy Tobin, Elementary District Librarian, Santa Barbara School Districts

There is a new website for elementary school students, teachers and parents: www.sbk6library.org The website includes:

• updates about what is happening in the elementary libraries;
• links to important resources (e.g., Destiny, the elementary library catalog; SBCEO portal; and the Santa Barbara Public Library website)
• great book lists for students, organized by grade level, 2010 Battle of the Books Reading List, and Lists of Accelerated Reader quizzes for participating schools.

So, why should children read this summer? Summer allows children the opportunity to enjoy a break from the usual routine and to pursue interests other than academics. Perhaps your child will participate in one of the many local day camps, sleep over camps, go on a family vacation to some far-off place, or simply have fun with friends here at home.

In addition to such important pursuits, reading should also be an integral part of summer. Reading this summer will help students to develop the lifelong habit of reading and maintain their skills, ensuring your children are ready to jump back into academics when they return to school. (Our little secret: Don’t tell your child that these activities are actually educational and can have a positive impact on their performance in school!)

When heading out to the beach or packing the car for a road trip, be sure to bring along a nice selection of books for the whole family. Summer is the perfect time to read just for the fun of it. If you need help finding book titles, consult the reading lists on our web site or visit a library or bookstore for recommendations. Most importantly, take the time to find books that will interest your child. Even the most reluctant reader will find reading a pleasure if you find a book that excites them. The Santa Barbara Public Library system helps put the fun in reading with their annual enticing Summer Reading Program. To find out more about it, click on the Public Library link on our webpage. Happy reading!