The Library Goes Back In Time! #NLW13

On Tuesday, April 16, at 7 PM, students came back to school at the library. This wasn't just any ordinary school. The school night featured lessons and artifacts from a class from 100 years ago!

The Wissahickon Valley Historical Society and the Historical Society of Whitpain came to the library to teach students about class from the late 1800s. Students learned how teachers taught multiple classes in one room, how students got to school, what they wore, and were able to check out items from the collections.

Students had a great time at the event! From my observation, the toy table was probably a big hit. Kids 100 years ago did not have electronic devices, so what did they play? Students enjoyed rolling a hoop, throwing hoops, and creating their own games with the items available. One student did say he'd probably like to go to school 100 years ago.

Check out the slideshow below. Once again, a HUGE thank you to the Wissahickon Valley Historical Society and the Historical Society of Whitpain for visiting the library and presenting a wonderfully informative event!

 

#NLW13 = National Library Week 2013

How to Talk To Children & Useful Books Following a Tradgedy - A List from WVPL

We are saddened by the tragedy that that happened in Newtown. Our hearts go out to the families of the victims.

Here are resources to help explain or on how to comfort your family.

Books

Library Books to Help Kids Cope with Newtown Tragedy From Galley  Cat
A list of books that are linked to WorldCat so that you may find the library closest to you in locating the books.

Why Did It Happen? Books to Help Kids Cope With Tragedy from  School Library Journal.
A listing of books with reviews that can help parents and educators to explain the tragedy or to offer hope to children.

Comfort Books from Shelf Awareness
About how now is the time to grab books that comfort us from old favorites to books that allow us to process what happened in our a child's own way.

Talking and Coping

What is Child Traumatic Stress? from National Child Traumatic Stress Network (via PA Department of Education)

Helping Your Children Manage Distress in the Aftermath of a School Shooting from American Psychological Assication (via PA Department of Education)

The Best Resources on Talking With Children About Tragedies from Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day (via Twitter)
A collection of links for parents and educators on talking with children.

Helping Kids Cope With Tragedy from Dr. David Walsh
This was actually published for a different tragedy (the post is now updated). The information is broken down a child's age (Preschool, Elementary, etc).

There are lots of resources available online at this time. If you see something that should be included, leave it in the comments to be evaluated for this list. Some links my overlap.

Election Links to Explore

The final Presidential Debate aired last night and voting is only two weeks (less than that now) away. Do you want to explore more about elections? You've come to the right place!

First, be sure to stop by and check out the display pictured to your left where we are featuring books on elections, the various parties (political parties), and books on Presidents at Blue Bell. You'll never know what you learn from a book about the Presidents or the elections.

Now, below are some kid-friendly sites that you can explore. The sites were included based on how informative they were as well as fun. Some aren't nearly as much fun as others, but the information was just too good to pass up.

For Kids

PBS Kids: TheDemocracy Project - Explore information about the election from learning about the candidates to printing posters as well as enjoy facts from previous elections by traveling the “Voting Time Machine” This is perfectly designed for kids with awesome graphics, animation, and information. (Grades K-12)

Ben’s Guide to U.S.Government for Kids - A more "wordy" resource compared to others resources out there but is a great starting point to understanding elections, how candidates become candidates, and what happens on election day. (Grades 9-12)

Time for Kids:Election 2012 - Voice your thoughts on election issues, learn about current election news, and study information about the candidates. (Grades 3-9)

Kids.Gov: How toBecome President of the U.S. Poster - 

Fans of infographics (those really neat images that have a start here, read fact, move on) will enjoy this page. Bite sized pieces of information explain how one becomes President as well as the election process in simple language (Grades K-5)

For Parents & Educators

These two resources link you to even more resources!

USA.Gov – Learn aboutElections and Voting: A collection of resources that the government gathered for you that you can use with your children to help them better understand the election.

NeverEndingSearch –Election Resources to Share: Another collection of resources, from a secondary level school librarian in the area, that you can use with your children to help them better understand the election. The resources collected here are more appropriate for a secondary level classroom.

Let us know if there are more links to include in the comments.

Keep on reading!