Great Start News: Little Bookworms
Holiday Edition 2020
Our Children, Our Community, Our Future
Best Types of Books to Read During Pregnancy
Books for Babies
Thankful Pumpkin
Starting at the stem, ask each family member what they are thankful for and begin writing down answers on the pumpkin. Pick a special time with your family to add thanks to the pumpkin each day. It will fill up quickly and be a wonderful outdoor display for Thanksgiving.
Visit Amy Latta Creations for more information.
Need a Book? You Can Still Borrow From the Library!
- First - you must have a library card. If you don't, visit here and sign up for one - they are FREE!
- Place books on hold online or over the phone by calling (517) 788-4087. You can also call (517) 905-1350 to talk to someone who will help pick out books for you!
- Visit your local branch and text or call the number on the yard sign in front of the library.
- Follow the instructions and have your library card handy.
- Library staff will work on getting your order ready and place them just inside the building for you.
- Staff will send you a message when your materials are ready.
- Put on a mask, come inside, and pick up your items.
- Return your materials at any of the several library drop boxes.
Have fun and keep reading!
Building Your Child's Vocabulary
When introducing new words to your young learner, keep the following four helpful hints in mind:
- First, provide a simple, kid-friendly definition for the new word: Enormous means that something is really, really big.
- Second, provide a simple, kid-friendly example: Remember that really big watermelon we got at the grocery store? That was an enormous watermelon!
- Third, encourage your child to develop their own example: What enormous thing can you think of? Can you think of something really big that you saw today?
- Last, keep your new words active within your house. Over the next few days and weeks, find ways to bring new vocabulary into everyday conversation.
For more resources, visit Reading Rockets.
Books for Toddlers
Below, you will find three tried-and-true books that are loved by children of this age.
Homemade Cards Make Great Gifts
This is a simple activity that only requires paper and whatever writing tools you have on hand. Young children can draw pictures and older children can write a short letter. Whatever they would like to do!
To make this time a little more creative, use finger paints on your child's hand to create a "handprint card." This will surely be a wonderful gift for whoever receives it. Who doesn't love getting a surprise in the mailbox?
Increase Your Child's Vocabulary During Story Time
During the reading, point to pictures and describe them. Use gestures to dramatize what is happening and ask what your child thinks the characters are feeling. Run your fingers below the words as you read. Notice letters that your child may already know.
After the reading, ask your child to tell you what happened. If he/she were part of the story, what would they do differently? What would they do the same?
Books for Preschool and Kindergarteners
Jam Thumbprint Cookies
You will need:
1 3/4 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 sticks butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
jam
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and salt together.
- In another bowl, beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer until fluffy.
- Beat in egg and vanilla.
- Add dry ingredients until mixed well.
- Take batter and roll between your hands to make 1 inch balls. Place onto a cookie sheet.
- Press a thumbprint into the center of each ball.
- Drop a small spoonful of jam into each thumbprint.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes.
Tip - use different types of jam for a variety of colors! These make great holiday gifts!
Books for Early Grades
Cookbooks Make Great Gifts!
Visit here for a long list of best-selling children's cookbooks.
Holiday Candied Nuts
You will need:
6 cups pecan halves (or any nuts you prefer - you can also mix different kinds)
2 egg whites
2 Tablespoons water
2 cups of sugar
2 and 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
2 teaspoons salt
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Place nuts in a large bowl.
- Using an electric mixer, beat egg whites and water in a separate bowl until stiff peaks form.
- Add the sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Gently fold in with a spatula or spoon.
- Pour mixture over nuts and stir to coat.
- Spread nuts onto the baking sheets.
- Bake for 45 minutes, stirring nuts every 15.
- Cool for 15 minutes.
- Keep them all for yourself or package and send out as gifts!
Help your child read the recipe and make it together. Enjoy!
Contact Us
Chrissy Blackwell: Great Start Co-Coordinator christina.blackwell@jcisd.org
Jennifer Ganzel: Great Start Families Parent Liasion greatstart.parents@jcisd.org
Kelly Friedland: Early Childhood Grant Support and Data Specialist kelly.friedland@jcisd.org
Resha Willis: Great Start Playgroups Coordinator jacksonplaygroups@gmail.com