Staff Picks: Resource Spotlight
Playing makes you smart!
As you might expect, we at Arlington Reads love to see you and your little ones exploring the library shelves and taking home an armful of books to enjoy together. We know that you are your child’s first, most important teacher, and that reading to your child often helps him become an enthusiastic lifelong learner. But we also understand the value of play! According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children, “Play is an important vehicle for developing self-regulation as well as for promoting language, cognition, and social competence… Children of all ages love to play, and it gives them opportunities to develop physical competence and enjoyment of the outdoors, understand and make sense of their world, interact with others, express and control emotions, develop their symbolic and problem-solving abilities, and practice emerging skills. Research shows the links between play and foundational capacities such as memory, self-regulation, oral language abilities, social skills, and success in school.”
Maintaining a fresh supply of engaging, age-appropriate toys doesn’t have to be a financial burden; the library can help! You know we have books and DVDs, but did you know that your library also has Read It Again! Kits? Each include a story and one or more props (maybe a puppet or some other related toy), all ready for some fun and meaningful play! Call to see what’s available near you, or next time you’re visiting the library, ask the children’s services staff.
~Dezra Loving
Arlington Reads AmeriCorps VISTA
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Changes to the GED-the new 2014 test
The GED will be updated in 2014. Several of the major changes are discussed below.
-Change: Instead of completing a paper exam, students will complete the test on computers at certified testing locations. (Remember, you can never get an official GED off the internet!)
-Implication: Test-takers will need good computer skills, such as using a mouse and keyboard.
-Arlington Reads’ support: The Arlington Public Library will continue to provide free computer classes to patrons.
-Change: Instead of focusing on high school equivalency only, the new test will designate test takers as being prepared for college or for the workforce.
-Implication: Test-takers may be able to pass different levels of the test. One test-passer may pass at a level indicating they are ready for college-level course-work, while another may pass at a level indicating they are prepared to enter the workforce. If a test-passer passes at the workforce level, he may need to retake the new test if he would like to show he is ready for college.
-Arlington Reads’ support: As we learn more about the new test, we will attempt to prepare students to achieve their specific goals. Whether a student is working on their GED in hopes of entering the workforce or in hopes of going to college, we will try to provide them with what they need to succeed.
-Change: Instead of five sections (math, science, social studies, reading, writing), there will be 4: math, science, social studies, literacy.
-Implication: There will be more small writing pieces. Before, students completed one 4-5 page essay in the writing section. In the new test, there will be more writing questions throughout the test, requiring shorter and longer responses.
-Arlington Reads’ support: The GED preparation program will work to prepare students for these writing requirements.
Learn more about the new GED test coming in 2014 by visiting the GED testing resources website.
Visit the Arlington Reads website to find out more information about our GED program and other services.
~Catherine Wilson, Arlington Reads GED Coordinator
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Career and Job Searching Resources
Searching for a job can be extremely stressful. Almost all jobs are posted online and it is rare to find a job that accepts paper applications. This can help the job searcher because it allows them to view and apply for several jobs quickly. However, it also means each job gets more applications-so the job searcher needs to know how to make themselves stand out. The library has compiled a list of resources to help you perfect your resume, find a job and ace the interview.
The library also offers access to physical resources such as internet computers, copiers and a fax machine (at the central location only). Resume workshops and computer training are also offered at the library. Please check the calendar to see dates and times.
You may be thinking of starting your own business-the library can help with that too. The Central library houses the Arlington Funding Information Center. There you will find information from funding a non-profit to incorporating a small business.
If you have questions about these resources or need help accessing them, please ask your local library staff. And good luck finding the perfect job!
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Why Teach English? Example 3
There’s a brand new bottle of Buttermilk Ranch salad dressing in my fridge that hasn’t been opened since it was bought three months ago. I asked my dad, who has a limited understanding of English, if he knew who bought the salad dressing. “I did,” he said in Vietnamese. “I wanted mayonnaise to use with my hamburger, but didn’t see the salad picture. It’s not for hamburger.”
So. Volunteer to teach English, and save people like my dad an extra trip to the market for a bottle of mayonnaise.
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Why Teach English? Example Two
In one English class, I went over what to do when you don’t feel well. I asked my ESL students what they do when they have a headache. “Go to the doctor!” Then I asked what they do when they have a stomachache. “Go to the hospital!” Or if they sprain an ankle. “Go to the hospital!” I thought it was cute because they were using phrases they had just learned. Until...
My parents speak limited English, so I usually speak to them in Vietnamese. That weekend, my dad got a bad stomachache. My mom asked me to call the ambulance for my dad. I asked her what’s wrong with him.
“He said his stomach hurts,” she told me.
“Did he take any medicine yet?”
“We don’t have medicine.”
“You can get some at CVS or something.”
“You can buy stomachache medicine there?”
“Yeah.”
“Can you go get some? I don’t know how to buy them.”
And a trip to the hospital was saved.
But then it hit me. My students didn’t keep saying “Go to the hospital” or “Go to the doctor” because they just learned those phrases. They did it because they don’t know enough English to go to a store and buy the medicine they need. Medicine’s confusing enough for native English speakers. I can’t imagine how intimidating it is for a non-English speaker.
So. Volunteer to teach English to adults so that one day they can help themselves at the drug store instead of calling an ambulance.
~Ann L.
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Conquering the Computer
In today’s digital age, it is more important than ever to have good computer skills. Job applications, government program applications, tax filing-all are becoming increasing online only. Luckily, Arlington Reads and the library offer several programs that can help.
Every month computer training classes are held to help with basic computer skills, internet/email, Microsoft Word, Excel and occasionally PowerPoint. Some of these classes are even available in Spanish. Check out our calendar to see exact dates and times and to reserve your spot in the class.
If you struggle with keyboard and mouse skills, we have a class for you too. Arlington Reads just started up a keyboarding class. It meets every Thursday from 5-6:30pm until March 29. Feel free to drop in-registration is not required. However, registering for the class is the only way to guarantee there will be a lab computer available for you.
There are also several different ways to practice these skills online at home. The library subscribes to a database called Learning Express that has some tutorials on Microsoft products. You will need your library card to access it and a library staff member can help set you up with an account. There are also many free websites where you can practice your mouse and keyboarding skills. Typingweb and Typeonline are some examples of free keyboarding websites and Mousing Around is a good site for practicing your mouse skills-puzzle sites are also a good place to practice mouse skills.
As always, if you have any questions about our computer training or want to register for a class, feel free to contact a staff member at your local library.
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Get your child ready to read!
How do you get your child ready to read? PBS helps answer that question with their Launching Young Readers series. This series can be viewed free online and offers tips, tools and techniques for parents. And best of all-Fred Rogers from the neighborhood is the host!
The library is also an excellent place to teach your child early literacy skills. We have a variety of age appropriate storytimes designed to teach an early love of reading. We even have a special hour-long Wee Reads storytime that teaches parents tips and techniques to use with their child at home. Hope to see you and your child soon!
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Happy Holidays from Arlington Reads
Arlington Reads would like to take this time to thank all of our wonderful volunteers and supporters who have made this year such a success. The determined individuals who now hold their GED, the struggling students who have turned their Cs to As, the shy English speakers who now navigate stores and doctors more confidently-those are due to you.
As you plan for 2012 I ask that you consider volunteering or supporting Arlington Reads. We are accepting new students in our GED and children’s tutoring programs and we need dedicated individuals to help them achieve their goals. We also have a constant need for ESL and literacy tutors. If you want a volunteer opportunity that works well with a busy schedule, then this is the one for you. Please click here or call (817) 460-2727 for more information.
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Fall 2011 Learning Zone Celebration!
The typically boisterous students were unusually quiet and focused as they watched “How to Train Your Dragon” while munching on delicious snacks. On Wednesday, December 7thand Thursday, December 8th the afterschool program coordinators, Kim Tran and Himani Reddy, celebrated the last two days of Learning Zone with all of their students and volunteers.
The celebration was hosted to thank 23 enthusiastic volunteers who have dedicated an estimated 4,680 contact hours to assisting children from first through third grade in homework, completing creative writing assignments, reading and playing educational games. Learning Zone student Jorge Acosta, a 3rdgrade student, has exclaimed he has achieved his first “100” on a reading test. “I am very proud of how well the kids are doing and how much they have improved!” exclaimed Judy Yang, a volunteer from Sam Houston High School.
A seemingly shy 3rdgrade student, Anelsy Salgado, was partnered with her tutor Richard Watkins. Richard diligently assisted her in completing her reading homework, and creative writing assignments. Richard and Anelsy brainstormed and wrote their opinions about Halloween, Thanksgiving and what type of superpowers they wish they could acquire. After weeks of one-on-one tutoring, Anelsy has become talkative and is raising her hand to participate in all of the educational activities.
Students received books and prizes during the Fall 2011 celebration. The books were donated from different organizations and were given to the students to encourage reading throughout the winter break. This academic semester 30 tutors have served a total of 28 students at the Hugh Smith Recreation Center. In order to serve more students in Spring 2011, the afterschool program is reaching out towards more students and volunteers who can dedicate their time towards increasing youth literacy in Arlington! To get involved please contact himani.reddy@arlingtontx.govor (817) 460-2727.
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Arlington Reads GED classes help students achieve goals
Arlington Reads has a GED Reading class on Thursday nights. Many of our students are new this semester; however, some have been with our program for a while. All of the students have made a committment to study and work hard to obtain their GED. It is a pleasure to see each and every student progress. We have had several students in the past few months pass some or all of their GED! Some of our students have even continued progressing in their education by enrolling at TCC.
Our fall semester of GED will be over soon, but if you or someone you know is interested in the GED program here at Arlington Reads, our registration for next semester will be Tuesday, January 10th, at 7p at Literacy House (101 E. North St.). Registration is first-come, first-serve and very limited. We suggest you arrive early!
On the other hand, if you are interested in volunteering with us, please consider attending a volunteer orientation! We can always use more GED volunteers! Call us at 817-459-6985 for more information!
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