Freshly sharpened pencils in a rainbow of colours. A massive stack of lined paper, a funky backpack and more pencils, rulers and gel pens than I can keep track of... these are the things that occupy my kitchen table as I write. Another school year is about to begin and we have the supplies to prove it!
The Cobourg Public Library has many helpful resources to ensure your child's school success and keep the momentum growing! If your child does not yet have his or her own Cobourg Public Library card, this may be the best back-to-school acquisition you can make!
There are some great books in the Junior Department to read with a youngster off to school for the first time. This is a pretty big step and it may be helpful to read about a favourite character's experience. Franklin Goes To School is available both in book and video tape format. Another popular one is McDuff Goes to School.
Before the work load gets too heavy, older students may want to pick up a few tips from Study Smarter, Not Harder. There are several other similar titles that you may wish to refer to.
If you are concerned about cliques there are several eye-opening and informative books including a new title, Queen Bees and Wannabes by Rosalind Wiseman. The Anti-Bullying Handbook is a new look at an old problem and will be a must read if your child has had problems of this nature
If your child's needs are exceptional in any way, your role in your child's education is intensified. You will find the information you require to become an informed advocate. The Cobourg Public Library has a growing collection of books dealing with attention deficit disorder, dyslexia, giftedness and learning differences. No Easy Answers by Sally Smith is a good place to start if you are investigating the possibility of a learning disability. Keep in mind that many exceptionally bright individuals also have learning disabilities.
Of course some parents choose to homeschool their children. If you are considering this possibility, you will want to read The First Year of Home Schooling, a book that promises to get you off to the right start. For those who have already taken the plunge, the library offers an incomparable array of materials.
The acquisitions librarian and the children's librarian are responsive to changes in the curriculum and are constantly updating the collection in order to meet requirements of students. Encourage your child to visit the library for the research information he or she requires. Library staff is pleased to assist students in accessing the available resources.
Hopefully the year ahead will be a happy, productive year of academic and social growth. The tools you need to support your child are @ your library! Have a great year!
SUBMITTED BY VIOLA LYONS
