Parents and the Library Media Center

The school library media center plays a crucial role in teaching students to read and to practice the skills they need to be information literate.

 These resources can help you, as parents, work in collaboration with your school library media specialist to help your students to become good information consumers.

 

How You Can Support Your Child's Library Media Center

Tips from the American Library Association:
bulletVisit your school library. Is there a qualified librarian available to work with students? Are the books and resources up to date? Children cannot be educated to live and work in the 21st century using resources from the 1970s. Let your principal and school board know of your concerns.
bulletGet to know your school library media specialist. Ask what the needs are and how you can help. Donations of books and equipment such as computers and video players may be welcome. Offer to volunteer your time.
bulletJoin the Friends of the Library, a support group of volunteers who provide fundraising and other assistance. If there is no group, offer to start one.
bulletHelp your child be school ready. Enroll your preschool child in story hours and other programs at the public library. Make sure your child has a library card and knows how to use it. Read together with your child. Research shows that children who are read to in the home do better in school.
bulletBe a role model. Let your child see you reading at home. Help your child explore new technology. Many school and public libraries make computers available for public use. Feel free to ask for assistance.
bulletSupport legislators who support libraries and education. Let them know you think the two go together and should be a high priority.
 

Internet Resources for Parents and Students to Promote Literacy

bullet 10 Myths of Reading Instruction
bullet 10 Ways Kids Connect @ The Library
bullet A Parent's Guide to Helping Your Child Learn to Read
bullet America's Literacy Directory
bullet American Library Association's Good Reads for Teens
bullet Born to Read Resources
bullet American Library Association's Recommended Reading for Children and their Families
bulletBook Adventure
bullet Children's and Adolescents' Literature Resources
bullet Children's Notable Lists
bullet Children's Picture Book Database
bulletEarly Childhood and Parenting Collaborative Information Technology Group (ECAP/ITG)
bulletEducation News
bullet Education News Parents Can Use
bulletEducation Week
bullet Especially for Parents
bulletFamily Education Network
bullet Fast Facts on Literacy
bullet Great Web Sites for Kids
bullet Helping your Child to Read
bullet Hints for Reading Out Loud
bullet How Can I Help My Child Be Ready to Read and Ready to Learn?
bulletLD Online
bullet Learning to Read, Reading to Learn
bulletLetter P.A.L.S.
bullet Literacy Begins at Home

 
bulletMighty Book
bullet Misunderstood Minds - Difficulty with Reading
bullet National Center for Family Literacy
bulletParent Soup
bullet Parenthood.com
bullet Parents and Children Together Online
bullet Parents' Choice Foundation
bullet Parents: Let's Talk
bullet Parentsplace.com
bulletPBS Between the Lions
bulletPBS Kids
bullet Read Aloud Tips for Parents
bulletReading Pathfinder
bullet Reading Rocket - At Home
bullet Reading Rocket - Launching Young Readers
bullet Recommended Book Lists
bullet Resources for Parents (From Association for Library Services to Children)
bullet Serious Play: Reading Poetry with Children
bullet Sesame Street Parents
bullet Share the Joys of Reading
bullet State Book Awards
bullet Straight Talk About Reading: How Parents Can Make a Difference During the Early Years
bulletThe Children’s Literature Web Guide
bullet Tips on Reading with Your Child
bullet What Parents and Family Members Can Do to Challenge Young Minds
bullet What Parents Should Know
bullet WORD Family Resource Center Newsletter
bullet U.S.Department of Education - No Child Left Behind
bullet U.S.Department of Education - No Child Left Behind: A Parent’s Guide

 

Kentucky School Media Association

Copyright 2005

For Questions/Comments, Contact Melissa Gardner

07/09/2005